Canada, U.S., Mexico announce Ebola travel measures for FIFA World Cup
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The United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday said they will align their respective public health travel measures for people travelling to the FIFA World Cup from parts of Africa that are at the greatest risk from Ebola as the three host countries aim to protect citizens and visitors during the weeks-long event.
“The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America,” the countries said in a statement, which did not detail the specific measures they will take.
The World Health Organization on May 17 declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighbouring countries.
The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures.
Washington last week banned non-citizens who had travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the United States. On Friday, the ban was extended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to green card holders who have been in those countries in the previous 21 days.
Canada’s travel restrictions kicked in this week
Canada has banned residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan from entering the country for 90 days, which started on Wednesday.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other foreign nationals who have been in affected areas in recent weeks and do not have symptoms will have to quarantine for 21 days from May 30, according to a statement from Canada’s public health agency.
- Just Asking wants to know: What questions do you have about Ebola, Hantavirus and Canada’s preparedness for a public health emergency? Send us your questions before our May 30 show.
Mexico’s Health Secretary David Kershenovich on Monday outlined tighter Ebola screening measures at airports, urging the public to avoid travel to DRC and asking arrivals from the country to observe a 21-day quarantine.
A growing Ebola outbreak and concerns about World Cup travel has pushed the federal government to clamp down on travel and immigration from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Travellers will have to self-isolate for 21 days and immigration documents will be temporarily suspended.
In a statement Thursday, FIFA said it was monitoring the situation and staying “in close communication with the Congo DR Football Association to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance.”
FIFA also said it is working with the respective World Cup host countries’ governments “to ensure a safe and secure tournament, as the health of all individuals involved remains FIFA’s priority.”