- The WHO warned that the outbreak carries a high risk of spreading to neighbouring countries
- Canada has also imposed a 90-day entry ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of Congo
- He also advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo
The United States, Mexico and Canada have jointly introduced coordinated public health travel measures for travellers arriving from African regions considered to be at high risk of Ebola transmission ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the three countries announced the decision in a joint statement on Thursday, saying the measures were aimed at safeguarding residents and visitors during the international sporting event.
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According to the statement, protecting public health across North America remains a top priority as preparations continue to welcome visitors from around the world.
Although the countries confirmed that their actions would be aligned, details of the specific measures were not fully disclosed.
The development follows the World Health Organisation’s declaration on May 17 that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The WHO warned that the outbreak carries a high risk of spreading to neighbouring countries, prompting several governments to tighten border and travel-related health protocols.
Last week, the United States barred non-citizens who recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan from entering the country.
The restriction was later expanded by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to include green card holders who had visited any of the affected countries within the previous 21 days.
Canada has also imposed a 90-day entry ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, with the measure taking effect on Wednesday.
Canadian authorities further stated that citizens, permanent residents and certain foreign nationals returning from affected regions without symptoms would be required to observe a 21-day quarantine beginning May 30.
In Mexico, Health Secretary David Kershenovich announced stricter Ebola screening procedures at airports earlier this week.
He also advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and directed travellers arriving from the country to undergo a 21-day quarantine period as a precautionary measure.
