Ebola Travel Restrictions Introduced by Bahamas, Canada and Thailand

Canada Expands Ebola Travel Restrictions as Countries Tighten Border Measures

Bahamas, Canada and Thailand have introduced new travel restrictions for passengers arriving from regions affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa.

The measures come as health authorities continue to monitor the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, with the Democratic Republic of Congo remaining at the centre of the outbreak. The World Health Organization declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern on 17 May.

According to health officials, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 1,000 reported cases since the first suspected infection was identified on 24 April. Uganda has also confirmed multiple cases linked to the outbreak.

Canada has introduced the strictest measures among the three countries. From Sunday, travellers who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days must complete a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon arrival.

The Canadian government has also suspended immigration processing for residents of the three countries for 90 days, including temporary and permanent resident visas.

Canadian Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the temporary measures are aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola entering the country while allowing authorities to manage travellers according to their level of exposure.

In the Bahamas, authorities have announced additional public health screening procedures for citizens and foreign nationals arriving from the affected countries. Travellers may also face quarantine or isolation measures depending on their recent travel history.

Thailand has designated the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as dangerous communicable disease zones and introduced mandatory 21-day quarantine requirements for passengers arriving from or transiting through the two countries.

The United States had earlier imposed similar restrictions, limiting entry for certain travellers who had recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.

The International Rescue Committee has warned that the outbreak could place additional pressure on healthcare systems in the region if international support and medical resources are not increased.

Health organisations continue to monitor the situation closely as governments review border health protocols and traveller screening procedures.

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