Canada has decided to temporarily prohibit individuals from South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo from entering the country, Health Minister Marjorie Michel revealed in a press briefing. The ban was not recommended by public health officials but was implemented as a precautionary measure ahead of the FIFA World Cup to mitigate the risk of Ebola transmission.
Michel emphasized that while the measures may not be perfect, they are necessary to safeguard the population and provide reassurance to both Congolese and Canadian citizens. The 90-day travel suspensions were announced alongside a requirement for Canadians or permanent residents returning from these countries to undergo a three-week self-isolation period.
Canada’s decision aligns with the U.S. and Mexico, the other host nations of the World Cup. However, Michel clarified that direct communication had only taken place with her Mexican counterpart, not with the U.S. She mentioned that provincial and territorial authorities supported the additional measures in light of the upcoming FIFA events.
Contrary to the World Health Organization’s advice against travel restrictions to the affected countries, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico have imposed these measures. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also criticized the restrictions, highlighting that some countries with no reported cases are being subjected to travel bans.
FIFA reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the host countries and health organizations to ensure a safe tournament environment. Ticket holders residing in the affected countries have been informed of the travel restrictions, allowing for ticket resale or transfer in light of the Ebola outbreak’s status as a public health emergency of international concern.
The organization did not respond directly to inquiries about whether it requested Canada to impose the travel restrictions.