Congo team needs to quarantine to enter the US for the World Cup during the Ebola outbreak

US airports enhance Ebola testing as cases increase in Africa

Health officials at airports in the U.S. are strengthening Ebola screenings for travelers coming from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with airlines to pinpoint possible infections, following reports of over 130 deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases across the continent. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, has voiced criticism regarding the response efforts of both the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Congo is currently facing an Ebola outbreak. Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House’s World Cup Task Force, indicated that if the Congolese national soccer team wishes to travel to the U.S. for the tournament, they will need to undergo a quarantine period.

The U.S. has informed FIFA, the Congolese government, and the soccer team that anyone entering the country for the World Cup must complete a 21-day quarantine. The team is presently training in Belgium and will participate in two preparation matches there.

“We have made it clear to Congo that they need to maintain a secure environment for 21 days before their arrival in Houston on June 11,” Giuliani noted. He also emphasized to the Congolese government the importance of adhering to this guideline, highlighting the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Giuliani further mentioned that the CDC is keeping an eye on two American doctors who are infected with Ebola and currently quarantined in Europe. He has discussed the possibility of sending staff to Belgium to monitor the Congo team’s situation.

Recently, a rare strain of Ebola called Bundibugyo has been confirmed in Congo, with over 130 fatalities and approximately 600 believed to be infected.

Giuliani mentioned that if other players join the team, they must have a separate quarantine to prevent any risk of the virus spreading during the World Cup.

This week, the CDC announced that foreign nationals who have been in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last three weeks would be prohibited from entering the U.S. for a period of 30 days.

On Wednesday, Congo canceled the team’s planned farewell to fans and a preparatory training camp ahead of the tournament.

Congo is placed in Group K and is set to compete against Portugal in their opening match in Houston on June 17. Their next games will be against Colombia on June 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by a match against Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta.