Joint Statement NHS, Merseyside Police, NWAS, Wirral Council

Joint Statement from NHS England North West, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Wirral Council

Organisations across Cheshire and Merseyside are working closely with colleagues from the UK Health Security Agency and other government bodies to support the repatriation of passengers from MV Hondius.

In line with advice from the UK Health Security Agency, on arrival they will be taken to a managed setting for clinical assessment and testing. We expect this initial stay to be up to 72 hours.

Following this, public health specialists will assess whether they can isolate at home or at another suitable location, based on their living arrangements.

The risk to the general population remains very low.

Our partner organisations are working together to ensure that all returning passengers are welcomed, comfortable and well supported throughout their stay.

We would like to thank our staff and partners across the NHS, emergency services and local government for their professionalism and dedication in coordinating this response, and we will continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other partners throughout.