Canada has suspended immigration for residents of three African countries for 90 days due to the Ebola outbreak. Travellers from the affected countries must quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Canada. These precautionary measures were implemented ahead of the FIFA World Cup to prevent Ebola importation into Canada.
Canada has announced sweeping temporary border measures that will affect who enters the country over the next three months. In response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising risks in Uganda and South Sudan, effective May 27, Canada will suspend immigration documents for residents of the three high-risk countries for 90 days.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said the suspension applies even to individuals holding previously approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), or permanent resident visas. The country will also halt processing of new applications from residents of those nations.
“At this time, this includes the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. This will mean that even those with a previously approved temporary resident visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA), or permanent resident visa will not be allowed to travel to Canada while their immigration document is suspended. During this time, we also intend to temporarily pause making decisions on applications for these documents from residents of these countries,” the agency stated.
Additionally, travellers, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, who have been in any of the three countries within the previous 21 days must quarantine for 21 days upon arrival. Those exhibiting symptoms associated with the virus will be isolated in the hospital. “Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have been in these areas within the previous 21 days and do not have symptoms will have to quarantine for 21 days. If they do not have a place where they can quarantine safely, they will be provided with an appropriate location. Travellers who have symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment. These measures are being implemented under the Quarantine Act,” the statement continued.
With the FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, just a few days away, Canada reaffirmed it is taking precautionary measures to ensure no Ebola is imported into the country. “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 2026. There has never been a case of Ebola disease imported into Canada, and there are currently no cases of Ebola disease in North America,” the government said.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the countries representing Africa in the upcoming global football bonanza. They will kick off their Group K campaign with a match against Portugal on June 17.
Source: Tuko News.
