38 Pinoys on virus-hit cruise ship return home

After a 42-day quarantine in the Netherlands

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-eight Filipino crewmembers of MV Hondius, which was hit by an outbreak of Andes hantavirus during voyage, returned to the country on Friday after completing a 42-day quarantine in the Netherlands.

The crew, 24 hotel and stewarding staff and 14 deck and engine department personnel, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and underwent secondary medical screening.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the crew tested negative for the virus throughout repeated monitoring and remained asymptomatic during their quarantine period abroad.

The 38 were given airport assistance and financial aid by the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. They are set to receive their remaining salaries and travel allowances from the shipowner through their recruitment agency, along with transportation and accommodation assistance for their onward travel to their respective provinces.

They would have access to free medical consultations and zero-balance billing in government hospitals, as part of post-arrival health support for returning overseas Filipino workers, according to the Department of Health.

The DMW said reintegration assistance would be available for those who plan to pursue livelihood or business opportunities in the country.

Authorities had placed the crew under quarantine in the Netherlands in May after health monitoring protocols were implemented aboard Hondius following reported concerns involving hantavirus exposure among passengers and crew during the voyage.