Canada to temporarily bar entry for foreign nationals recently in Congo due to Ebola risk

Canada will temporarily deny entry to foreign nationals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days, saying the move is meant to reduce the risk of Ebola spread. The new border measure takes effect Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET and is scheduled to remain in place until Aug. 29, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Officials said the restriction is intended to support public health screening and help manage travelers arriving in Canada, including returning humanitarian workers. Health authorities said the risk to Canadians remains low and that no travelrelated Ebola cases have been reported in Canada. The World Health Organization has advised against travel or trade restrictions, saying such measures can increase stigma and make outbreaks harder to control. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act who recently visited Congo can still return, but must undergo a health assessment and quarantine for 21 days.