State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald Announces Return of Two New Yorkers From the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 1, 2026)- Today, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald announced that two New Yorkers from the MV Hondius cruise ship were among the group of passengers who elected to return to their home states to complete the second half of their 42-day quarantine and monitoring period.

Dr. McDonald issued the following statement:

"Last month, three New York residents who were passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship arrived in Nebraska for screening and monitoring. One of those passengers has elected to remain in Nebraska to complete their 42-day monitoring period. The other two completed the first 21 days of their quarantine in Nebraska and have now returned to New York, where they will remain in quarantine with around-the-clock surveillance in private residences located outside of New York City until June 22. In compliance with relevant privacy laws, the Department will not be providing any additional information about their identity or location.

"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 they become available. Under protocols established to monitor their health and protect the community, a quarantine order is in place. Both passengers have agreed and are required to remain at their residences, have no contact with other people, and participate in daily monitoring activities conducted by local health officials. Plans are in place to transport them to appropriate medical facilities in the unlikely event they develop symptoms or need any other medical care.

"We want to thank all of the local, state and federal agencies and other partners that have supported the effort to bring these two New Yorkers home to complete their quarantine."

The latest information on hantavirus can be found at www.health.ny.gov/hantavirus.