Canada bans foreign travellers from Congo
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Otaria Benjamin- 0
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A health worker in full personal protective equipment (PPE) disinfects an area while preparing for the burial of suspected Ebola victims at the Kigonze displaced persons camp in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo./Reuters
Canada has announced it will deny entry to foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the past 21 days, as part of new temporary border measures to combat the spread of Ebola.
The ban, which takes effect on Monday, July 20, applies to all foreigners who have visited DRC in the previous three weeks. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt but must quarantine on arrival for 21 days if they have been to Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
The measures contravene advice from the World Health Organisation, which recommends against travel restrictions. The WHO has said travel bans create stigma and can make epidemics harder to control. It estimates the risk of international spread from Congo is low.
As of July 15, DRC had reported more than 2,100 Ebola cases, including 828 deaths. The outbreak is concentrated in eastern provinces.
A Public Health Agency spokesperson said the measures “may reduce public health risks for Canadians.” Failure to comply could result in fines of up to CAD$150,000 for individuals and $1.5 million for corporations.
Canada previously suspended immigration documents for residents from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The U.S. and Mexico have introduced similar measures. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has recommended against travel bans, warning they can disrupt humanitarian aid.
Seven American aid workers who had been working in Congo are currently quarantining in a facility in Kenya.
SOURCE: Reuters
