Enhanced screening at Washington Dulles International Airport applies to recent travelers to three African countries.
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Travelers returning to the United States from parts of Central and East Africa may have to make an unexpected stop at Washington Dulles International Airport.
All flights carrying passengers who have recently been to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan will be required to land in Dulles, as federal officials focus on ramping up public health testing in response to the Ebola outbreak in the region, according to a Department of Homeland Security document scheduled to be published in the Federal Register.
The restrictions apply to flights departing after 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 20 and will continue until further notice, DHS said.
The move comes after health authorities confirmed an outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in northeastern Congo on May 15.
According to a document published on May 21, Congo had reported 12 confirmed cases, 336 suspected cases, and 88 deaths as of May 17. Uganda has also reported imported cases, and South Sudan is considered to be at higher risk due to its proximity to affected areas and limited health infrastructure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there were no confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States as of May 19, and the overall risk to the American public “remains low.”
Why do tourists flock to The Dulles?
DHS said directing all affected passengers to a single airport will allow the U.S. government to concentrate medical and public health resources in one location.
In Dulles, near Washington, D.C., DHS and CDC officials are conducting enhanced screening and monitoring to help prevent the disease from entering the United States.
Who needs to stop by Dulles?
This rule applies to anyone, regardless of nationality, who leaves Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of entering or attempting to enter the United States, or who is physically present in the United States. This includes American citizens returning home.
Crew and cargo-only flights are exempt.
