The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a new travel requirement for passengers flying into the United States. Beginning November 3, all international flights to the US will be required to confirm that passengers have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days. This requirement applies to everyone, including American citizens, green card holders, and airline crew members.
Passengers will be required to complete a paper or digital statement before boarding, even if they have never visited the DRC. Airlines must collect the forms and keep them for at least 42 days after the flight arrives in the US. The CDC says this requirement is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel.
Major airlines, represented by groups such as Airlines for America (A4A) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have asked the CDC to reconsider the requirement and delay its implementation. They argue that the requirement is too broad and cannot be implemented in the given timeframe. A4A has also requested an exemption for airline crew members and US military passenger charters, citing existing documentation and health tracking procedures.
The CDC says the 21-day period reflects the maximum amount of time it can take for symptoms to appear after exposure. Anyone who has been in the DRC during that period will not be allowed to board a US-bound flight unless they have a government exemption. Travelers who knowingly provide false information could face prosecution and fines.
Dr. Tyler Evans, a California-based infectious disease physician, supports the CDC's public health goals but notes that Ebola is a serious disease that requires serious attention. He emphasizes the importance of screening and reducing the risk of transmission.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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