2 people exposed to hantavirus have returned to New York state

Two people exposed to hantavirus have returned to New York state, the city's health department said Monday.

The pair had been under federal quarantine in Nebraska after a deadly outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Three people tied to the outbreak died after contracting the virus, according to previous reporting.

The two people will complete a 42-day monitoring and quarantine period at personal residences outside New York City, according to a statement from New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin.

"The risk to New Yorkers remains low," Martin said. "At this time, no one is planning to return to New York City."

Martin said the pair will follow established infectious disease protocols, including masking, controlled transportation and daily monitoring by local and state health officials.

The city's health department said it remains in close contact with the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will provide updates if the situation changes.