TORONTO, ONT – In response to escalating Ebola concerns, Canada announced on Tuesday that individuals traveling from regions affected by the virus will need to undertake a 21-day self-isolation period. Additionally, Canadian immigration is temporarily halting decision-making on visa applications originating from Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Luc Brisebois, who leads the Centre for Border and Travel Health at the Public Health Agency of Canada, emphasized that these preventive steps are being taken with a “safety-first” approach. The measures are set to remain effective until August 29.
Travelers displaying symptoms upon arrival will be promptly taken to medical facilities for further evaluation. The enhanced border regulations will be enforced starting Saturday, and accommodations will be arranged for those lacking a place to quarantine.
Moreover, Canadian authorities are suspending the finalization of immigration applications from the impacted nations for a period of 90 days beginning Wednesday. This pause may be adjusted depending on the progression of the outbreak.
The epidemic is concentrated in northeastern Congo and involves a rare Ebola strain that has challenged containment efforts, according to the World Health Organization. With over 900 suspected cases and upwards of 220 fatalities, international aid efforts are ramping up. WHO predicts that managing the outbreak may take several months.
