DR Congo Neighbors Reinstate Covid-Style Measures Over Ebola

Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo are bringing back Covid-style health measures as fears grow over the spread of the ongoing Ebola outbreak across East and Southern Africa.

Health officials across the region are expanding border screening, suspending large gatherings and strengthening surveillance systems as the number of suspected infections continues rising.

Uganda confirms new Ebola cases

Uganda confirmed three additional Ebola cases over the weekend, bringing the country’s total confirmed infections to five.

The new patients include:

• A Ugandan driver who transported the country’s first confirmed patient
• A healthcare worker exposed during treatment
• A Congolese woman who later returned home

Uganda’s Ministry of Health urged citizens to remain calm while following preventive measures.

Officials also temporarily suspended major cultural events and public celebrations near the Congo border to reduce transmission risks.

WHO reports more than 900 suspected cases

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak has now surpassed:

• 900 suspected cases
• 101 confirmed infections
• 177 deaths linked to the outbreak

The virus has spread rapidly because the rare Bundibugyo strain initially produced negative test results, allowing infections to circulate undetected for weeks.

Covid-style border controls return

Several African countries are now using prevention tools similar to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Measures include:

• Temperature checks at borders
• Handwashing stations
• Health screening checkpoints
• Mandatory quarantines
• Travel restrictions

Uganda has also suspended some transportation routes between Congo and Uganda for four weeks.

Rwanda imposes quarantine measures

Rwanda announced stricter entry controls on Friday.

Foreign nationals who traveled through Congo within the last 30 days are now banned from entering Rwanda.

Rwandan residents returning from Congo must complete mandatory quarantine procedures.

Journalists inside Rwanda reported that schools, churches, markets and transportation hubs have reintroduced handwashing stations and hygiene monitoring similar to Covid-era precautions.

Zambia warns of “very high” risk

Zambia has also intensified preparedness efforts because of its long and porous border with Congo.

Health experts warned that many informal crossings make surveillance difficult, increasing the risk of infected travelers entering before symptoms appear.

Truck drivers transporting goods through eastern Congo are considered especially vulnerable because of regular cross-border movement.

The Zambia Red Cross said it is working with local authorities on awareness campaigns and community surveillance programs.

Malawi strengthens airport and border screening

Malawi declared the Ebola outbreak a public health concern and expanded health screening at airports and border checkpoints.

Officials said healthcare workers are receiving additional training to improve Ebola detection and response capacity.

Violence complicates Ebola response in Congo

Containment efforts inside Congo continue facing major challenges because of insecurity and community distrust.

In the town of Rwampara, protesters recently set fire to hospital tents after authorities refused to release the body of a deceased relative for burial.

Health officials warn that traditional burial practices remain a major source of transmission because Ebola can continue spreading after death.

Doctors Without Borders said 18 suspected Ebola patients fled the medical facility during the unrest.

Aid agencies warn outbreak could worsen

International organizations say the outbreak has the potential to become one of the region’s worst Ebola crises in recent years.

The United States has committed an initial $23 million in emergency assistance, while international health teams continue deploying personnel and supplies throughout affected areas.

Aid workers say limited diagnostics, insecurity and population movement remain major obstacles to stopping the virus.