The administration of US President Donald Trump has introduced restrictions preventing US citizens from returning to the United States on civilian flights directly from the Democratic Republic of Congo because of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, Reuters reported, citing a White House official.
The measure applies to American citizens currently in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as those who have recently visited the country. Under the new rules, they will not be allowed to board flights bound for the United States unless they have first spent at least 21 days in another country, allowing the full Ebola incubation period to pass.
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed 1,926 Ebola cases since the start of the outbreak, with 702 deaths recorded, according to official figures released on Sunday. The epidemic has raised concerns over the possibility of further international spread of the virus.
A White House official said that around 20 US citizens were expected to travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United States on Monday. The State Department will assist those affected by the restrictions and provide support during the required three-week waiting period.
