French Transport Minister Tabarot says no travel or mask restrictions despite hantavirus cases

On 13 May 2026, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot told France Info that neither trains, planes, metros nor cruise ships will face any travel restrictions because of the hantavirus detected in Paris and linked to a cruise ship that called at Ushuaïa, Argentina. He emphasized that the virus does not spread like the coronavirus and that there is “no element in favour of a diffuse circulation of the virus on the national territory.”

Tabarot also rejected any return of mandatory masks in public transport, saying “it is not the return of masks, no particular precaution.” He noted that authorities remain “particularly vigilant” on passenger traceability and contact tracing, especially for routes to Argentina. The minister added that there is no kerosene shortage and highlighted the importance of tourism, expecting 100 million visitors to France this summer.

A French patient hospitalized in Paris is in serious condition, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist, but Tabarot reiterated that the situation does not warrant nationwide travel measures.