Thirteen Spaniards isolated at Gómez Ulla with hantavirus can receive visitors
The only confirmed positive case continues to do well and is eager to begin a 'normal quarantine'. From Tuesday, the 13 in isolation may leave their single rooms wearing PPE and masks.
Published on 19/05/2026 - 18:25 GMT+2•Updated 18:48
In Spain, Madrid's Gómez Ulla Hospital is working this Tuesday to ensure that the 13 people isolated after contact with hantavirus who have once again tested negative can receive "staggered and safe" visits this week, while the only confirmed positive case continues to progress well and is very keen to be able to do his "normal quarantine".
"They are very excited, really looking forward to it, they are very happy to have been told about the second negative result," said José García, representative of the Independent Trade Union and Civil Servants' Central (CSIF) at Gómez Ulla Hospital, speaking to the media about the 13 passengers from the MV Hondius who this Tuesday face their ninth day of quarantine at the facility.
Authorised to leave their rooms
The 13 people who were on the MV Hondius amid the hantavirus outbreak have, from this Tuesday, been allowed to leave their individual rooms and move around the communal areas on the same floor where they were admitted, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks as laid down in the protocol of the Public Health Commission, and may also receive "staggered and safe" visits.
García welcomed the new negative results in the 13 cases as proof that "things are being done properly", since there has been no cross-contamination with the only infected patient.
The 70-year-old man who has been in the High-Level Isolation and Treatment Unit (Uatan) since last Monday "is fine for the moment, his condition is improving". All options are being studied in his case, although "it will be difficult for him to receive visits", even though "he is longing for the illness to pass so that he can return to his normal quarantine", José García told reporters.
Keeping a close eye on protocol compliance
On the possibility that those admitted could continue their quarantine at home from day 28 of their confinement, the CSIF representative urged caution. However, he stressed that this will be the case if Public Health considers that "there is no problem" with them going home, although they will be keeping a very close watch on compliance with the protocols.
The union has also welcomed the fact that Gómez Ulla Hospital has renewed the contracts of 200 workers whose employment was about to expire, following a meeting between CSIF and the Ministry of Public Administration, and that there will be an additional 70 staff to reinforce the workforce.
