The United States, Mexico and Canada today announced a series of travel restrictions for those arriving from areas of Africa affected by the Ebola epidemic in order to protect their citizens and visitors during the World Cup.
“The health and safety of every person remains our top priority as we welcome the entire world to North America,” they said in the statement, without detailing the measures.
The World Health Organization said on May 17 that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo risks spreading to neighboring countries. Many governments have taken steps to reduce the risk. Last week the US banned entry to non US citizens who have travelled to DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks. On Friday, the ban was extended to “green card” holders who have been in those countries in the previous 21 days.
Since Wednesday, Canada has also banned entry into the country, for 90 days, of persons residing in the three African countries. Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who have been in those countries in the past few weeks but are not showing symptoms will be quarantined for 21 days, starting March 30.
Mexico is also imposing a 21-day quarantine on those arriving in the country by air, is taking measures at airports and has urged its citizens not to travel to DR Congo.
“Soon” there will be a vaccine
A vaccine for the Boudibugio strain of the Ebola virus, responsible for the epidemic in DR Congo, will be available from this year, the head of the African Union’s health agency (Africa CDC) assured today.
Due to the lack of a vaccine and treatment for this strain, the measures in place are mainly based on adherence to health regulations and rapid detection of cases.
“What we are confident of is that by the end of the year, the Africa CDC will ensure that we have vaccines and treatment for Budibugio,” assured its head, Jean Casella, speaking online to reporters.
