Canada Restricts Foreign Nationals Over DR Congo Ebola Fears

Canada has temporarily barred foreign nationals who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the past 21 days, as authorities seek to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the country.

The measure took effect at 11:59 p.m. on July 20, with the Public Health Agency of Canada saying the restriction could help reduce public health risks.

The move, however, puts Canada at odds with the World Health Organization (WHO), which has advised against broad travel and trade restrictions during health emergencies, arguing that such measures can be ineffective and contribute to stigma.

The DRC is battling a serious Ebola outbreak, with health authorities reporting more than 2,100 confirmed cases and 828 deaths as of July 15. The virus is mainly spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people.

Canada’s decision follows similar measures introduced by the United States, which has restricted commercial air travel for American citizens who have recently been in the DRC.

The restrictions have raised concerns among public health experts over the potential impact on humanitarian and international efforts to contain the outbreak at its source.