90-Second Read: Passengers evacuated from Hantavirus-hit cruise ship must now spend 42 days in quarantine

Australia has extended the quarantine period for passengers repatriated from a Dutch-flagged luxury cruise ship following a Hantavirus outbreak. Hantavirus was reported in at least 11 passengers and three people died. Meanwhile, six other people linked to the Hantavirus outbreak have left hospital to continue their isolation at home, health officials have said. The passengers have been informed about the advice and the decision of government.

It can lead to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially fatal disease which sees the lungs fill with fluid. Passengers from the cruise ship were taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for checks and an initial isolation period earlier this month. Some 19 British nationals were listed as passengers on the MV Hondius and there were four British crew members. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground.

Australia has extended the quarantine period for a further two-and-a-half weeks Australia has extended the quarantine period for a further two-and-a-half weeks From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Thursday that the isolation for six people will now last a total of 42 days, until 23 June. Their initial release date of 5 June was pushed back after advice from health authorities. The individual is now adhering to stringent infection prevention and control measures, according to the Health Security Agency (HSA).

Four Australian citizens, a permanent resident, and one New Zealand resident have been held at a facility near Perth, Western Australia, since their return on 15 May. A British national was treated for the virus in the Netherlands and was medically evacuated back to the UK earlier this week. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings, and saliva.