Ottawa has introduced temporary border measures in response to what it’s calling “increasing risk” from an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
Temporary and permanent resident visas for citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan who have not yet arrived in Canada have been suspended. The processing of immigration applications from those countries has also been paused for 90 days.
“The health and safety of people in Canada is our top priority,” said Marjorie Michel, Canada’s health minister. “These temporary border measures will help reduce the risk of Ebola disease entering the country while ensuring that travellers are managed based on their level of risk.”
Effective 30MAY, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals entering Canada after visiting a region affected by Ebola will have to quarantine for 21 days, even if they are symptom-free. Travellers with symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment.
“While the risk to people in Canada remains low, the Government of Canada is taking a precautionary approach given the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving international situation, including the FIFA World Cup,” Global Affairs Canada said in a press release.
There has never been a case of Ebola disease imported into Canada, and there are currently no cases of Ebola in North America.
The World Health Organization reports there are now more than 1,000 confirmed or suspected cases of the disease, but maintains the global risk from Ebola is low, even if managing the current outbreak is presenting challenges. Efforts to contain the virus have been complicated by violence in northeastern Congo, where a deep mistrust of health officials have lead to attacks on some Ebola treatment centres amid regional tensions.
Canada’s move comes after the United States implemented its own restrictions last week, temporarily barring entry for lawful permanent residents who have been in Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, with U.S. health officials arguing that extending the ban to green card holders was necessary.
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