Canada Implements Temporary Border Measures to Prevent Ebola Spread

Canada announced a series of temporary border measures on Tuesday (26 May) to reduce the risk of Ebola entering and spreading in the country.

According to a statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada, in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and heightened transmission risks in Uganda and South Sudan, Canada will suspend immigration documents for citizens of these countries for 90 days, effective from Wednesday (27 May) at 23:59 Eastern Time.

Individuals from these three countries who had previously received temporary resident permits, electronic travel authorisations, or permanent resident visas will be barred from travelling to Canada, the statement said.

New applications from citizens of these nations will also be temporarily halted, the agency added.

In a separate measure effective from 30 May at 23:59 Eastern Time until 29 August, Canada will enforce a mandatory 21-day quarantine for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have visited affected areas within the past 21 days and show no symptoms. Those displaying symptoms will be isolated in hospitals for further assessment under the Quarantine Act.

While stressing that the risk to Canadians remains low and there are currently no reported Ebola cases in North America, the Canadian government said it is adopting a precautionary approach given the severity of the disease and evolving international situation, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.