Terry Schultz

For NPR News, I'm Terry Schultz in Brussels.

World Health Organization Chief Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus is on the island of Tenerife to oversee the evacuation of remaining passengers from MV Hondias.

Tedros thanked Spain for what he called an act of solidarity and moral duty in accepting the cruise ship's docking.

He tried to allay fears about the possibility the deadly virus will spread during the transfer of passengers.

He says every precaution has been taken.

Three people have died and several others who left the ship already are infected, but no one still on board has tested positive.

Belgium, Germany and France are among the countries sending planes to Tenerife to pick up their citizens.

For NPR News, I'm Terry Schultz in Brussels.

NATO spokesperson Alison Hart says the alliance is, quote, working with the U.S.

to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany.

Besides the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers, the U.S.

is also canceling the planned deployment of a battalion providing long-range strike capabilities.

Hart adds that the U.S.

adjustment reinforces action already underway for Europe to take on a greater share of the responsibility for NATO's shared security, including spending more on their militaries.

She says the alliance, quote, remains confident in our ability to provide for our deterrence and defense as this shift toward a stronger Europe and a stronger NATO continues.

For NPR News, I'm Terry Schultz.

NATO spokesperson Alison Hart says the alliance is, quote, working with the U.S.

to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany.

Besides the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers, the U.S.

is also canceling the planned deployment of a battalion providing long-range strike capabilities.