Ebola
Israel has removed Kenya and Rwanda from its list of
countries subject to temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions, easing travel
curbs that had sparked diplomatic concern between Nairobi and Jerusalem.
In a statement, Israel’s Ministry of Health said it was
pleased to announce the decision to lift the restrictions, which had been
introduced as part of precautionary measures following concerns over Ebola
outbreaks in the region.
“We are pleased to announce that Israel’s Ministry of Health
has decided to remove Kenya and Rwanda from the list of countries subject to
temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions,” the statement read.
The earlier directive had barred airlines from allowing
passengers from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic
of the Congo or anyone who had visited those countries within 21 days from boarding flights to Israel.
Airlines were also instructed to screen passengers and deny
boarding where travel history matched the restricted list. The measures did not
apply to Israeli citizens or residents.
“Boarding on flights to Israel must be denied to any foreign
national who has stayed in or visited any of the countries listed above during
the 21 days before the flight date, regardless of their citizenship or
country of residence,” the statement read.
“Airlines must question every foreign passenger prior to
boarding, which includes verifying whether they have stayed in any of the
restricted countries listed above during the past 21 days. If the answer is
affirmative, they must not be permitted to board the flight to Israel.”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei protested
the decision at the time, terming it unjustified and inconsistent with Kenya’s
public health record.
“Kenya strongly protests the decision by Israel to include
the country amongst those whose travellers it will restrict. This is especially
unfortunate given Kenya’s support to regional surveillance and response to
Ebola. With over 80,000 tests, no case of Ebola has been reported in Kenya.”
Following Israel’s reversal, Sing’oei welcomed the decision,
describing it as a positive step in diplomatic cooperation between the two
countries.
“We welcome very much the decision of Israel to vacate the
inclusion of Kenya from the list of countries subject to Ebola-related
restrictions. We are grateful for your sensitivity, friendship and partnership,”
he said.
The lifting of the restrictions is expected to ease travel
disruptions for passengers and restore normal aviation links between the two
countries, which had been affected by the temporary directive.
Health authorities in the region continue to maintain
surveillance systems for Ebola and other infectious diseases, with Kenya
insisting it remains free of any confirmed cases despite heightened vigilance
due to regional outbreaks.
