Immigration Department Prepares for Ebola Outbreak
The government has begun preparing anticipatory measures regarding the potential spread of the Ebola outbreak via international travel routes. Supervision of travellers from affected countries in Africa is currently being discussed across various ministries.
The Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Hendarsam Marantoko, stated that the government is discussing possible restrictions or stricter supervision for foreign nationals and travellers from areas affected by Ebola.
“We are currently reviewing this,” said Hendarsam when responding to questions regarding plans for international travel supervision related to the outbreak, on Sunday (17/5).
In addition to reviewing policies, the Directorate General of Immigration has also begun coordinating with the Ministry of Health to strengthen vigilance at entry points.
According to Hendarsam, instructions have also been given to immigration officers at Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) and regarding visa application processes from countries related to the outbreak.
“We are currently coordinating with the Ministry of Health on this matter and simultaneously instructing personnel at TPIs and those handling visa applications from relevant countries to take anticipatory measures,” he said.
These steps are being taken as part of early prevention efforts to minimise the risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases through international travel supervision and inspections at Indonesian entry points. (E-4)
The Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus, for which there is no vaccine, has struck the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing 88 people. The WHO has declared a global health emergency.
The Democratic Republic of Congo announced an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease; the Ministry of Health stated that there have been no cases in Indonesia. However, monitoring at entry points continues.
Uganda has begun trials of an experimental vaccine to combat the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus after a new outbreak caused one death and two infections.
The WHO stated that it is deploying a team to help Uganda fight the Ebola outbreak, which has claimed the life of one healthcare worker, a 32-year-old nurse.