The Canadian government has announced temporary travel and immigration measures in response to the Ebola outbreak spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. Starting Saturday, travellers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan will be required to self-isolate for 21 days, matching the virus's incubation period. Immigration authorities will also suspend processing of documents from these nations for 90 days.
Details of the Restrictions
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Immigration Minister Lena Diab outlined the measures during a press conference on Tuesday. Michel emphasized that the health risk to Canadians remains low, describing the self-isolation requirement as a precautionary step to ensure public safety. The restrictions align with similar actions taken by the United States and Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Quarantine and Isolation Protocols
Effective until August 29, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who have been in the affected countries within the previous 21 days must quarantine under the Quarantine Act if asymptomatic. Those without safe quarantine options will be provided suitable accommodations. Symptomatic travellers will be isolated in hospitals for further assessment.
Immigration Document Suspension
Starting Wednesday at 11:59 p.m., immigration officials will pause processing of temporary and permanent resident visas, electronic travel authorizations, temporary resident permits, study permits, and work permits from the three countries. Diab clarified that documents will not be cancelled but will be reactivated once the measures end, eliminating the need for reapplication.
Context and International Response
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security previously banned non-citizens who had traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the United States. The DRC has reported 101 confirmed Ebola infections, 930 suspected cases, and 221 suspected deaths, according to the latest health authority update. No Ebola cases have been reported in Canada.
