2 quarantined cruise ship passengers exposed to hantavirus expected to return to NY next week
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Two New Yorkers who were cruise ship passengers exposed to hantavirus are expected to return to the state next week following the end of their mandated quarantine at the Nebraska quarantine facility, the state health department said Friday.
The CDC had previously mandated that some of the 18 cruise ship passengers at the national quarantine unit in Nebraska remain there through May 31 after they expressed a desire to leave.
The two people will be transported via non-commercial flights and complete the remainder of their 42-day monitoring period in residences that are located outside of New York City.
No additional details on their identity or locations will be provided due to privacy concerns.
According to the health department, they have agreed to remain at home and avoid contact with other people.
The CDC earlier told passengers that New York was refusing to comply with an order to post a police officer or public health worker outside their homes around-the-clock.
State health officials now say they're working with the CDC on a monitoring plan and that the passengers have promised to not leave their homes.
"At this point, it is important to emphasize that there is no immediate risk to the public. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed," New York Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.
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