Kenya has been included in a list of countries facing proposed temporary travel restrictions by Israel as part of precautionary measures aimed at preventing the possible importation of Ebola.
The measure targets non-citizens and non-residents who have stayed in Kenya and other listed countries within 21 days prior to arrival in Israel. The other countries include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and Rwanda.
Israel Ministry of Health said the decision follows a professional risk assessment and is intended to reduce the likelihood of importing the disease, despite there being no known Ebola cases in Israel and the overall public risk remaining low.
“Following the professional risk assessment, and in order to reduce the risk of importing the disease into Israel as noted, the Ministry of Health has asked the Population and Immigration Authority to consider a temporary restriction on the entry of people who are not Israeli citizens or residents and who stayed during the 21 days before their arrival in one of the following countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Kenya—countries where there is an increased risk of exposure to the disease,” the Ministry said.
This recommendation was formulated in light of the spread of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, infections in Uganda, and the movement of at-risk populations to South Sudan, Rwanda, and Kenya, as well as the severity of the disease and the unique challenges facing the health system during this period, with the goal of reducing as much as possible the risk of importing cases into Israel.
Israel Places Kenya on Temporary Travel Restriction List Over Ebola Concerns
The ministry said the move is precautionary, citing the severity of Ebola, its high mortality rate, and the complexity involved in managing suspected or confirmed cases.
It noted that health authorities are already strengthening preparedness across the system to ensure readiness for any possible scenario.
“As part of the preparedness efforts, professional guidance will be distributed to medical teams and relevant hospitals for handling cases where there is a risk of infection,” the Ministry said.
Also Read: Kenya on High Alert as Govt Moves to Block Ebola at Border Points
According to the notice signed by Head of Border Control at Ben Gurion International Airport, addressed to all airlines, effective immediately, it is prohibited to board foreign passengers who meet the specified criteria on flights bound for Israel.
Airlines have been instructed to verify the travel history of all passengers prior to boarding and deny entry to anyone who has stayed in any of the restricted countries within the past 21 days, regardless of nationality or country of residence.
The directive further states that Israeli citizens and residents are exempt from the restrictions.
Also Read: Kenya Among Countries to Receive New KSh2.6 Billion for Ebola
This comes as President William Ruto told the international community that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a major concern for Kenya.
Speaking in Finland, President Ruto continued the government’s defence of the establishment of an Ebola containment facility in Laikipia with support from the United States. So far, no cases of Ebola have been reported in the country.
Kenya has enhanced surveillance and screening at border points and has already established more than 20 centres ready to handle any Ebola cases should they arise.
