Hantavirus Evacuees Arrive in Malta: WHO Chief Warns ‘Work Not Over’

In the dim glow of dawn, a Maltese Air Force plane touched down at Malta International Airport, carrying a group of 110 Chinese nationals, their faces a mix of relief and anxiety. They were among the last to be evacuated from Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, and their arrival marked a significant milestone in Malta’s response to the global health crisis.

The evacuees, mostly students and workers, had spent weeks in lockdown, their lives upended by the sudden appearance of a mysterious virus. Their journey home was a complex operation involving multiple agencies, from the Maltese government and the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Chinese embassy and local authorities in Wuhan.

As they disembarked, the evacuees were greeted by a team of health professionals, their faces obscured by masks and protective gear. The scene at the airport was a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation, with temperatures checked and luggage sanitized before the evacuees were transported to quarantine facilities in St. Paul’s Bay and Ħal Far.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, visited Malta just days after the evacuation. Standing in the historic Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, he praised Malta’s response to the crisis, highlighting the island’s proactive approach in evacuating its citizens and strengthening its health systems.

However, Dr. Tedros was quick to remind everyone that the work was far from over. “We must remember that the situation is evolving rapidly, and we must remain vigilant,” he said, his words echoing the sentiment of health professionals worldwide.

Malta’s Minister of Health, Chris Fearne, echoed this sentiment. “While we have taken significant steps to protect our citizens, we must remain cautious. The virus is still a threat, and we must continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said.

The evacuees, now in quarantine, are being closely monitored by health professionals. Their days are filled with regular temperature checks, medical consultations, and psychological support. They pass the time reading, watching movies, and communicating with loved ones back home, their lives on hold as they await the results of their tests.

For some, the wait is agonizing. “I just want to know if I’m healthy,” said one evacuee, her voice barely above a whisper. “I want to go home, to see my family, to hug my parents. But I understand the importance of this process. I’m just grateful to be here, to be safe.”

Malta’s response to the crisis has been praised by international bodies and local residents alike. The government’s proactive approach, from the evacuation of Maltese citizens to the strengthening of the island’s health systems, has been seen as a model for other countries to follow.

However, as Dr. Tedros reminded us, the work is not over. The virus is still a threat, and we must remain vigilant. As we look to the future, we must continue to monitor the situation closely, to follow the advice of health professionals, and to support each other in these challenging times.

As one evacuee put it, “We’re all in this together. We must look out for each other, support each other, and remember that we will get through this, together.”