US imposes 21-day travel restrictions on passengers from Ebola-hit DRC

The United States has imposed temporary travel restrictions on passengers who have recently been to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The restrictions, announced by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affect all travellers, including American citizens, who have visited the DRC within 21 days preceding their intended flight to the United States.

Under the measures, affected travellers will not be allowed to board US-bound flights until at least 21 days have elapsed since they departed from the DRC. This also applies to passengers who transited through an airport in the DRC, regardless of whether they disembarked from the aircraft or remained on board during the stopover.

The CDC says the temporary measures are intended to reduce the risk of Ebola virus being introduced into the United States. The restrictions are part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of the disease, which has been affecting the DRC since the outbreak was declared in August 2018.

Travellers who have been denied boarding have been advised to contact the US Department of Homeland Security through a designated email address, providing the information requested in the health alert. The affected passengers may initially receive an automated response requesting additional information before a member of the responsible team contacts them by telephone or through an official government email address.

The US move follows similar actions taken by other countries to restrict travel to and from the DRC due to the Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working closely with the DRC government and international partners to contain the outbreak and provide support to affected communities.

According to the CDC, the restrictions will be in place until further notice, and travellers are advised to check with their airlines and the CDC website for the latest information on travel requirements. The agency has also urged travellers to take precautions to prevent the spread of Ebola, including washing their hands frequently and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has resulted in thousands of cases and deaths, with the WHO declaring it a public health emergency of international concern. The US restrictions are part of a global effort to prevent the spread of the disease and protect public health.

Key points

• The US has restricted travel for passengers who have recently been to the Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent the spread of Ebola.
• The restrictions, announced by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affect all travellers, including American citizens, who have visited the DRC within 21 days preceding their intended flight to the United States.
• The temporary measures are intended to reduce the risk of Ebola virus being introduced into the United States.