The United States, Mexico, and Canada have announced coordinated public health travel measures targeting regions at the highest risk of Ebola, as they seek to protect citizens and visitors during the upcoming World Cup. The move follows the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Sunday, 17 May.
Joint Statement on Health Priority
In a joint statement, the three nations affirmed: "The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America." However, the statement did not immediately detail the specific aligned measures to be implemented. The WHO had warned of a high risk of the disease spreading to neighboring countries, prompting governments to intensify travel-related containment efforts.
US Travel Restrictions
Washington last week banned non-citizens who had recently travelled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the United States. This ban was subsequently extended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to include green card holders who have been in those countries within the previous 21 days.
Canada's 90-Day Ban
Canada has implemented a 90-day ban on residents from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, which commenced on Wednesday. Furthermore, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other foreign nationals who have visited affected areas in recent weeks and are asymptomatic will be required to quarantine for 21 days from 30 May, according to Canada's public health agency.
Mexico's Screening Measures
Meanwhile, Mexico's Health Secretary David Kershenovich outlined tighter Ebola screening measures at airports on Monday. He urged the public to avoid travel to the DRC and requested that arrivals from the country observe a 21-day quarantine period.
World Cup Kick-off Approaching
The World Cup is now just two weeks away, with the first match between Mexico and South Africa due to take place on 11 June at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Mauricio Pochettino’s USA team will get their own campaign underway when they face Paraguay on 12 June, while Canada are set to play their first match on the same date against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The World Cup will last over five weeks, with the final due to be played on 19 July.
