Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has issued the following statement about the arrival of Canadians from MV Hondius to B.C.:

”Four Canadians from the MV Hondius are expected to arrive in British Columbia on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following travel on a Government of Canada chartered aircraft accompanied by a Public Health Agency of Canada quarantine officer. All individuals remain asymptomatic.

“Upon arrival, they will be screened and assessed by local public health officials and transported directly to safe, pre-arranged lodgings, where they will begin an initial 21-day self-isolation period under daily monitoring by public health teams. Based on the incubation period associated with hantavirus exposure, this isolation period may be extended to up to 42 days if required.  

“At no point during their arrival or isolation period will they be in contact with the public. They will be monitored daily by local public health teams to ensure that they remain well and are safely isolating. It has been a very challenging time for these four Canadians and public health teams are committed to supporting them through this process.

“The Office of the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control, local public health teams and federal partners, including the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and Global Affairs Canada, have worked closely to ensure all necessary plans are in place. These individuals will have access to medical care and additional supports as needed throughout their isolation period. In the unlikely event that symptoms develop, British Columbia has established protocols, experienced clinical teams and specialized capacity, including the BC Biocontainment Treatment Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital, to safely assess and care for patients.

“People in British Columbia may understandably feel concerned by news like this, particularly given experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to be clear that hantavirus is very different from respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19. It does not spread in the same way and is not considered a disease with pandemic potential.

“Our priority is the health and well-being of these returning Canadians and the safety of British Columbians. We are taking every measure to minimize and eliminate any risk to the public. These individuals are asymptomatic, public health protocols are in place and this situation is being carefully managed at every step. People in British Columbia can be reassured that this can be managed safely and supportively for everyone involved.”