Canada to implement new border measures amid Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda: officials
Officials are pausing immigration documents for 90 days and requiring 21-day self-isolation for some travellers as Ebola cases rise in central Africa.
- On Wednesday, Canadian federal officials announced a 90-day pause on immigration document processing for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, stressing this is a 'pause,' not an outright ban.
- The Ebola outbreak in central Africa has surged to more than 1,000 suspected cases and hundreds of deaths, largely in Congo, with seven known cases in neighbouring Uganda; Canada's move follows similar U.S. restrictions enacted last week on permanent residents.
- Travellers from affected countries within 21 days must undergo health assessment, with symptomatic individuals transferred to hospital and others self-isolating for 21 days; Luc Brisebois, director-general for the Centre for Border and Travel Health at the Public Health Agency of Canada, said measures reflect an 'abundance of caution' through Aug. 29.
- Applications for people already in Canada will continue processing, and mid-travel applicants remain exempt from the suspension; the federal government is deploying an Ebola-experienced Canadian to DRC within the next week to support containment efforts.
- Public health experts caution that blanket travel bans are discouraged under the International Health Regulations, a WHO treaty designed to prevent disease spread, while Dr. Isaac Bogoch noted the core containment challenge remains within Africa itself given 'porous borders' between countries.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Restrictions placed on travellers from Central Africa amid Ebola outbreak
The federal government is introducing temporary travel and immigration measures in response to the Ebola outbreak that is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo and some neighbouring countries.
Canada imposes Ebola-related travel ban as Bahamas plans similar move
WASHINGTON, May 26 - Canada said on Tuesday it will temporarily ban residents from three African countries amid an Ebola outbreak as a source told Reuters The Bahamas plans to make a similar move. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Ottawa announced that some travellers from areas affected by Ebola will have to quarantine for 21 days.
Associated Press News
Canada will require self-isolation for people traveling from Congo, Sudan and Uganda due to Ebola
The Canadian government says travelers from Ebola-affected regions will be required to self-isolate for 21 days, while immigration authorities are temporarily suspending decisions on applications from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda.
The Canadian government will impose new measures at the borders in the coming days in the wake of the Ebola epidemic in Africa.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
