Canada is introducing temporary border measures in response to the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and rising risks of infection in Uganda and South Sudan. This is stated in a press release from the Public Health Agency of Canada, which was published by the government on May 26.
According to the decision, from May 27, immigration documents will be suspended for 90 days for citizens of countries with a high or very high risk of an outbreak. This applies to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Even valid visas, electronic travel permits or permanent resident status will temporarily not allow entry into Canada.
Separately, from May 30 to August 29, a 21-day quarantine is introduced for anyone who arrived from these regions during the previous 21 days, even if there are no symptoms. If necessary, the state will provide isolation facilities and those with symptoms will be hospitalized for evaluation.
At the same time, the measures do not apply to persons already in Canada; citizens and permanent residents of the country retain the right to return after passing screening at the border.
Ottawa said the risk to the Canadian population remains low, but the decision was made as a precautionary measure due to the severity of the disease and the international situation.
Canadian authorities also recalled that measures may change depending on the development of the epidemiological situation in the world.
