US urges Belgium to impose entry ban on travellers from Congo
The United States has asked Belgium to impose an entry ban on travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola, according to reports in De Morgen on Wednesday.
The newspaper reports that US ambassador Bill White conveyed the request to the Belgian government. Last week, American diplomats across Europe were instructed by Washington to encourage host countries to align with US travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup, co-hosted in the US, which begins this week. Countries that fail to do so could face US entry restrictions.
The request would also require returning Belgian nationals to undergo quarantine measures. However, federal Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke is not planning to comply and intends to continue following guidance from the World Health Organization, according to the report.
Since mid-May, the US has barred entry to travellers who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda. Exemptions apply to US citizens, permanent residents, military personnel, government officials and close family members.
No Ebola cases have been reported in the US, but Washington fears that the arrival of millions of visitors for the World Cup could increase the risk of the virus spreading.
Red Cross volunteers in the DRC carry the body of an Ebola victim © PHOTO JOSPIN MWISHA / AFP
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