Canada Introduces Temporary Border Measures Amid Ebola Outbreak Concerns

The federal government has introduced temporary border measures aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola disease entering and spreading in Canada, despite officials maintaining that the current risk to Canadians remains low.

The measures, implemented by the Public Health Agency of Canada under the Quarantine Act, took effect at 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 30 and are scheduled to remain in place until Aug. 29.

The new requirements apply to travellers entering Canada who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. The measures cover Canadian citizens, permanent residents, people registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals who are eligible to enter Canada.

Under the temporary rules, affected travellers must have a suitable quarantine plan before arriving in Canada. The plan must include access to a location where they can remain for 21 days, avoid close contact with others and obtain essential services such as food, medication and public health support.

Travellers who do not show symptoms of Ebola disease will be required to proceed directly to their quarantine location and remain there for 21 days. Those who do not have an acceptable quarantine plan will be provided with a suitable location, such as a hotel, where they will be monitored regularly.

During the quarantine period, individuals must remain at their designated location, monitor themselves daily for symptoms and report their health status to public health authorities. Quarantine officers will provide instructions on monitoring requirements and steps to take if symptoms develop.

Travellers displaying symptoms of Ebola disease upon arrival will receive an immediate medical assessment and be placed in isolation at a medical facility or another location deemed appropriate by a quarantine officer. They will be required to remain in isolation for 21 days from their entry into Canada or from the onset of symptoms, whichever period is longer, and until they no longer pose a public health risk.