Ebola Emergency: Canada orders quarantine, Bahamas restricts entry

The governments of Canada and The Bahamas have introduced temporary travel restrictions for people coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Uganda, and South Sudan over concerns about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.

Canada announced that the restrictions begin on Wednesday and will remain in place for 90 days as part of efforts to stop the virus from entering and spreading in the country.

This follows a similar move by the United States, although the U.S. restrictions are set to last for 30 days.

Canada, Bahamas explain new measures

According to a statement from the Canadian government, the temporary border controls are part of wider public health efforts to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission.

Canada also said that its citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible foreign nationals who recently visited affected areas but show no symptoms will be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine starting from May 30.

The Bahamas introduced similar entry restrictions with immediate effect. The measures will remain active for an initial 30 days and may be extended depending on guidance from the country’s health ministry.

The country also announced additional health screening procedures and possible quarantine requirements for travellers who recently visited the affected countries before arriving.

WHO raises concern over outbreak

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) increased its risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo to “very high” and declared the outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

However, WHO clarified that the outbreak has not been classified as a pandemic, although it remains a serious international health concern that requires stronger cross-border coordination.

WHO said there are signs the outbreak may be larger than officially reported, pointing to:

High positivity rates in early laboratory testing

Growing reports of unexplained deaths

Confirmed infections in major urban areas

The agency also warned that there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment specifically for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain involved in the outbreak.

The outbreak was first confirmed in Ituri Province in DR Congo before reported infections spread into Kampala, Uganda, after infected individuals crossed borders.

Situation in Nigeria

Health authorities in Nigeria have reassured residents that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the country.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said surveillance remains active at entry points and health facilities as officials continue preventive efforts to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.