Australian health officials announced Thursday they are adding more time to the isolation period for six cruise ship passengers who returned home following a hantavirus outbreak aboard their vessel.
The group, which includes four Australian citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealand resident, has been staying at an isolation facility near Perth in Western Australia since their return on May 15.
Originally scheduled to complete their quarantine on June 5, the passengers will now remain in isolation until June 23 – bringing their total quarantine time to 42 days. The decision came after recommendations from health authorities.
Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed the passengers have been notified of the government’s decision to extend their stay.
“The passengers have been informed about the advice and the decision of government. I’m happy to say they remain well,” Butler said.
The travelers were aboard a Dutch-flagged luxury cruise vessel when the hantavirus outbreak occurred, prompting their repatriation and subsequent quarantine measures.
