BASSSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH the Ebola outbreak that has claimed the lives of thousands in West Africa, the government of St. Christopher and Nevis has put measures in place to guard against the spread of the virus to the Federation.
A communique issued by the office of the Prime Minister this evening (Oct. 15) informs that a decision, taking immediate effect, was made to ban persons from specific West Africa countries from entering the Federation.
“The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has made a decision to put in place travel restrictions on persons from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, considering the widespread and intense transmission of the Ebola Virus Disease in these countries.
“With immediate effect, all visitors from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea will be prohibited from entering the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis until further notice.”
The release indicates that this also applies to individuals “who have visited those countries within the past 21 days”, as the incubation period for the virus is two – 21 days.
As an added precautionary measure, the release informs, the National Disaster Mitigation Council has been mandated by Cabinet to “coordinate preparedness and response with the health officials” and to regularly update the Cabinet on the issue.
“The Ministry of Health will closely monitor the situation in West Africa and other countries and will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to prepare for any potential threat.”
The Ebola Disease Virus (EDV), known previously as the Ebola haemorrhagic fever, has claimed the lives of in excess of 4400, most of which took place in West Africa.
St. Lucia and St. Vincent have also banned the entry of persons from Liberia, Sierra Lione and Guinea from entering their territories.
