The Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a ban on mass gatherings in the eastern city of Goma following the confirmation of a second case of Ebola in the regional hub. The measures, announced by the provincial governor on Wednesday, include the suspension of public events and restrictions on movement in affected areas. The UK has activated its quarantine protocols for travellers arriving from the region, requiring all passengers from DR Congo to undergo screening and a 21-day monitoring period.
The move comes as the World Health Organization warns that the risk of cross-border transmission has increased significantly. The outbreak, which began in North Kivu province in July, has now claimed over 1,800 lives. Goma, a city of two million people, is a critical transport link to Rwanda and the rest of the Great Lakes region.
The UK Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the affected areas. The British government has pledged £5 million in emergency aid and is coordinating with international partners to contain the spread. The quarantine protocols, which were last activated during the 2014 West Africa outbreak, include temperature checks at airports and the requirement for travellers to provide contact details for health officials.
The UK has also deployed a team of public health experts to assist with contact tracing and infection control. The situation remains fluid as health workers race to contain the outbreak before it reaches more densely populated areas.
