[Life] Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo Uncontrolled; Taiwan Extends Entry Ban Until 11/28
RtiTalk 小編2h ago
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains uncontrolled. Lin Ming-cheng, spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), announced today (21st) that Taiwan will extend border control measures for the Democratic Republic of Congo by 90 days, including prohibiting entry, requiring 21 days of self-health management upon entry, and offering free voluntary testing, until November 28th. As for Uganda, if no new cases are reported before August 27th, control measures will be lifted starting at midnight on August 28th. #Reported by Radio Taiwan International (RTI) correspondent Liu Pin-hsi#
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that the current outbreak is spreading faster than previous Ebola outbreaks.
Lin Ming-cheng, spokesperson for the CDC, stated on the 21st that according to data released by the WHO as of August 16th, the number of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to increase with geographical spread. There are a cumulative 5,021 confirmed cases, including 2,378 deaths, with a fatality rate of approximately 47%. The Ituri Province accounts for the most severe situation, with 84% of the national cases. Neighboring Uganda has a cumulative total of 20 confirmed cases, but no new cases have been reported since June 21st. All cases are related to cross-border movement and exposure to healthcare, and have not led to community transmission. The country is currently undergoing a 42-day monitoring period, starting from the discharge date of the last case on July 16th, until August 27th.
Lin pointed out that the WHO's latest assessment on August 14th indicates that the Democratic Republic of Congo maintains a very high risk of transmission. All neighboring countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Uganda, still face the risk of imported cases and are listed as high-risk. Other regions in Africa and the rest of the world remain low-risk. The WHO has downgraded Uganda's risk level from "very high risk" to "high risk" and removed Uganda from the list of countries with a public health emergency of international concern.
Taiwan implemented strict border controls starting in May, offering free voluntary testing at airports for travelers with a history of travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It also mandated 21 days of self-health management upon entry and suspended entry for residents of both countries for 90 days starting June 2nd. As of August 20th, a total of 43 inbound travelers, including 5 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 38 from Uganda, have complied with Taiwan's self-health management measures. Ten travelers voluntarily underwent testing, and all results were negative.
Lin stated that the CDC continues to monitor the latest international Ebola situation and review the implementation of domestic border control measures over the past three months. On the 21st, a meeting was held with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the National Immigration Agency, the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and the Ministry of Education. Based on the uncontrolled epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it was decided to extend the control measures for that country by 90 days. He said: "(Original sound) However, the number of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to increase, and the scope continues to expand. The epidemic appears to be still spreading, so control measures will be extended for another 90 days, until November 28th."
Lin said that the relevant control measures include temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo. All previously issued visas are invalid for entry, with only four exceptions: degree students who have obtained admission permits to study in Taiwan, diplomatic affairs, spouses of Taiwanese nationals, and emergency or humanitarian cases. Additionally, travelers who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo within 21 days prior to entry into Taiwan must undergo 21 days of self-health management upon arrival and are offered free voluntary testing if asymptomatic.
Lin pointed out that Uganda's last case will be monitored until August 27th. If no new cases are reported by then, Taiwan will lift its control measures for Uganda starting at midnight on August 28th, including lifting the entry ban and canceling free voluntary testing upon entry. (Editor: Song Wan-yuan)
Source link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=227631
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