Canary Islands Block Hantavirus-Infected Cruise Ship

The Canary Islands' regional government opposes a hantavirus-hit luxury cruise ship docking, citing safety concerns. Leader Fernando Clavijo seeks a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to address the issue. The cruise was reported by TVE to be heading to Tenerife, but the health ministry hasn't commented.

The regional government of Spain's Canary Islands has announced its opposition to the docking of a luxury cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak on its archipelago, a move underscored by safety concerns.

Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader, clarified that the decision lacked technical backing and there wasn't enough information to pacify public fears. He reached out urgently to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for a dialogue on the matter, highlighting political tensions as Clavijo represents the conservative People's Party, the main opposition to the ruling Socialists.

Earlier, Spanish broadcaster TVE hinted at the ship's arrival in Tenerife, relying on sources within the health ministry, which has yet to respond to inquiries from Reuters.