North American World Cup Hosts Coordinate Ebola Travel Measures
The United States, Mexico and Canada said Thursday they will coordinate public health travel measures for people arriving for the FIFA World Cup from African regions considered at highest risk from an Ebola outbreak. The three host countries said the approach is intended to protect residents, visitors and tournament participants during the event, though their joint statement did not specify the exact measures to be adopted.
The announcement follows the World Health Organization’s May 17 declaration that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO has warned that the outbreak presents a high risk of spreading to neighbouring countries.
Several governments have already introduced travel-related restrictions. The United States recently barred non-citizens who had travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous weeks from entering the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later extended the measure to green card holders who had been in those countries within the past 21 days.
Canada’s restrictions began this week. Ottawa has banned residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan from entering Canada for 90 days. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and certain foreign nationals who have recently been in affected areas and are asymptomatic will be required to quarantine for 21 days starting May 30.
Mexico has also tightened screening at airports. Health Secretary David Kershenovich advised the public to avoid travel to the DRC and asked arrivals from that country to observe a 21-day quarantine.
FIFA said it is monitoring developments and remains in contact with the Congo DR Football Association. The organization said it is also working with World Cup host governments to support a safe tournament and provide medical and security guidance as needed for all attendees.