Rotterdam: Filipino seafarers aboard a ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak are scheduled to conclude their quarantine on June 18, as announced by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. The 18 Filipino crew members had been quarantined in the Netherlands after exposure to the virus on the MV Hondius, where three guests succumbed to the disease.

According to Philippines News Agency, the crew members are being quarantined in two groups: 21 hotel workers in Amsterdam and 17 deck and engine crew, alongside three hotel workers, in Rotterdam. The DMW is collaborating with the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine embassy in The Hague, Dutch health authorities, and the ship's owner to ensure that the seafarers adhere to health protocols.

Cacdac confirmed that all quarantined individuals have tested negative for the virus and remain asymptomatic. "So far, all of them have tested negative. No symptoms. And we hope it stays that way until June 18," he stated.

DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay emphasized that mental health and wellness support is ongoing during the quarantine, with doctors and specialists conducting regular wellness sessions and maintaining open communication for daily monitoring.

In addition to the quarantined crew, Philippine authorities have heightened monitoring of thousands of Filipino seafarers operating in international waters, particularly in high-risk routes such as the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Cacdac noted that although approximately 1,500 seafarers have exited the Strait of Hormuz, around 3,000 remain within the Persian Gulf, continuing their work as the ship remains operational.

Families of the seafarers continue to receive updates and financial remittances, with mandated allotments being maintained. Communication lines remain open, ensuring daily coordination between labor attach©s, ship owners, and seafarers to address welfare checks and any emerging concerns.