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Canary Islands regional leader rejects cruises docked there after hantavirus outbreak

On Wednesday, the regional government of Spain's Canary Islands, led by Fernando Clavijo said that it was opposed to allowing an ill-fated luxury cruise ship, which has been infected with the deadly hantavirus, to dock on the island.

Clavijo told radio station COPE that "this decision is not based on technical criteria and there is insufficient information to reassure or guarantee the safety of the public."

He said that he requested an urgent discussion with Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister. Clavijo is a member of the conservative People's Party, the main opposition to Sanchez's Socialists.

TVE, the Spanish state broadcaster, reported earlier on Wednesday that the cruise ship would 'dock' at the Canary Island of Tenerife. It cited sources in the country’s?health department. The ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting and editing by Charlie Devereux; David Latona)

(source: Reuters)