Arabic version: فرض الدول قيود السفر بسبب تفشي فيروس إيبولا
The recent outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has led multiple nations to enact travel restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. According to Al Jazeera, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 220 suspected deaths and 900 suspected cases since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
In response, the Congolese Ministry of Transport and Communications has suspended all flights to and from Bunia, a health zone significantly impacted by the outbreak. Exceptions may be granted for humanitarian and emergency flights. Uganda has similarly halted direct flights and closed bus and boat border crossings with the DRC for four weeks, although freight traffic for essential goods remains permitted.
Countries including Canada and the Bahamas have implemented temporary bans on residents from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Canada will prohibit entry for 90 days, requiring quarantines for citizens and permanent residents returning from affected areas. The Bahamas has imposed a 30-day entry restriction.
The United States has banned non-citizens who have traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days. This ban now extends to green card holders, with returning citizens directed to specific airports for enhanced screening. Jordan and Bahrain have also suspended entry for travelers from the affected regions.
Several nations are enhancing airport screening measures. India has advised its citizens against traveling to the affected areas and postponed an upcoming summit. Thailand is permitting entry from the DRC and Uganda only through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, contingent upon negative screening results.
While the WHO acknowledges the challenges posed by the outbreak, it emphasizes the efficacy of established infection control measures. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in the ability to contain the outbreak, despite the current speed of the epidemic.
