The 20 UK nationals along with a German and a Japanese national will be monitored for 72 hours before a decision is made on where they can suitably isolated for up to 45 days.

In a joint statement, NHS England North West, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service and Wirral Council, said: ‘The trust and hospital is operating as normal. There is no risk to patients, visitors or staff and people should continue to come forward for care as usual.'

Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, said: ‘We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility.  

‘The risk remains very low for members of the general public.'

A plane carrying the British nationals landed at Manchester Airport on Sunday evening.

They were tested for hantavirus before getting on the flight after docking in the Canary Islands earlier on Sunday.

Three people have died in the outbreak, including two confirmed cases of hantavirus.

The other confirmed cases include two British nationals, who are being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa.