New health requirement for US travelers

Starting November 3, all travelers entering the United States will need to provide a signed statement confirming they have not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 21 days before their flight. This requirement is part of a new measure aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola virus.

CDC implements the measure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced the rule to reduce the risk of Ebola being brought into the US. The 21-day period matches the maximum time it takes for the virus to show symptoms after infection, known as the incubation period.

Airlines must enforce the rule

Airlines are responsible for ensuring passengers have the required certificate, either in paper or digital form. Travelers without this document will not be allowed to board their flights, regardless of their nationality or point of origin.

IATA criticizes the short notice

The World Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns about the new requirement. It argues that asking all airlines serving the US to change their procedures within a short time is unreasonable and difficult to implement quickly.

IATA questions the scope of the rule

The IATA also questioned why the requirement applies only to air travelers, noting that other forms of transport, such as ships and buses, are not included in the measure. This has raised questions about the consistency of the approach to controlling the spread of Ebola.

Ebola outbreak continues in DRC

According to the latest report from Congolese health authorities, the Ebola outbreak in the DRC has infected 10,060 people and caused 4,887 deaths since it was first detected in May. The situation remains a significant public health concern in the region.