The Trump administration has barred US citizens currently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from returning home, citing the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Under a new order, Americans who have been in the Ebola-stricken country are placed on a 'do-not-board' list. They cannot fly back to the United States until they have spent 21 days in a third country.
Roughly two dozen Americans set to board flights home have already been blocked by the rule. It remains unclear if the restriction also applies to US government workers, including CDC employees stationed in the DRC.
Health experts have been critical of such travel restrictions. They argue that historical measures like these are often unsuccessful, discouraging transparency about outbreaks and stigmatizing affected regions. There is also concern that limiting movement could hinder humanitarian aid efforts.
Ebola is not a respiratory virus and does not spread easily through the air. It transmits via direct contact with bodily fluids from people who are actively sick or recently deceased. Health officials note it primarily spreads to caregivers and family members providing close care.