The United States has urged the European Union to impose travel restrictions due to the Ebola outbreak, ahead of the World Cup. As of right now, the EU has not responded to the US’s request for travel bans.
Washington claims that it is coordinating the bans to protect citizens ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The travel restrictions should be imposed on people who have recently been in Central African countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, in hopes of avoiding the spread of the virus during the soccer World Cup, sources and officials said on Tuesday.
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month issued an order barring noncitizens who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days from entering the U.S. Americans were told to go through select airports for screenings. –CNBC Africa
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that Ebola must not be allowed to enter the U.S. He added that the administration’s efforts have focused on keeping anyone potentially exposed to the virus overseas, even though the US has facilities equipped to treat Ebola cases while containing the spread of the virus.
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The US claims that it is doing its part to stop Americans from contracting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, and that now other countries must do their part.
“Other countries must do their part to ensure this outbreak does not spread further. Action is required now. That includes financial contributions and implementing commonsense restrictions on travel from the affected area,” said the official, who provided comment anonymously. “We are engaging diplomatically with countries around the world to coordinate our approach to protect our citizens, including the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup.”