Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe has announced that strict border management measures have been implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, under which persons arriving from countries affected by an Ebola outbreak will undergo health screening and possible quarantine.
In a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, the Minister also urged citizens to reconsider travel to high risk countries.
He noted that there is an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Central and East Africa and said that the Ministry of Health, in its continued efforts to proactively manage public health risks at the nation’s borders and ensure the safety of citizens, considered it necessary to issue urgent preventative guidance.
Bodoe said the Government maintains a policy of vigilance without disruption. However, in light of recent global health developments, immediate action is necessary to protect the population and prevent potential complications relating to future quarantine or repatriation efforts.
He said the Ministry is therefore strongly advising nationals of Trinidad and Tobago to avoid all travel to the following countries due to an active outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
He said these countries are considered high-risk zones and noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Additionally, he said the Ministry is advising citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling to nine countries identified by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as being at high risk for Ebola.
These countries are Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia.
The Minister said that, in order to safeguard public health in Trinidad and Tobago, strict border management measures have been implemented.
Citizens and residents arriving in Trinidad and Tobago who have visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan will be subject to enhanced health screening upon arrival, he said.
He said these individuals will be subject to mandatory 21-day active monitoring protocols.
“Depending on the results of the initial health screening, travellers may also be subject to immediate isolation or quarantine measures as directed by Port Health Authorities,” he said.
Bodoe said the following recommendations are being made to citizens:
• Regarding travel, consider cancelling or postponing trips. Re-evaluate all upcoming travel plans to affected regions.
• Stay informed. Monitor updates from the Ministry of Health and the WHO. Seek medical attention if you are currently in an affected region or have recently returned and develop symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, or sore throat.
• Seek medical attention immediately and isolate yourself from others.