WHO has also stated that the hantavirus infection on the MV Hondius is not the start of a global pandemic because the virus cannot spread through airborne particles as it does with coronavirus, but it can be transmitted through close physical contact. Although out of eight possible infected individuals, five cases were confirmed positive, and there were three deaths, WHO has categorized this event as having low risk to public health. The number of passengers who had boarded the ship in St. Helena on April 24 has been under investigation by the authorities. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the United States, are keeping track of those returning home from the ship for signs of symptoms for six weeks due to the incubation period of the virus.