Kenya Demands Saudi Arabia Lift Ebola Travel Ban, Says Outbreak Is Contained
Kenya on Saturday formally demanded that Saudi Arabia reverse its suspension of travel to and from the East African country over Ebola, warning that the restrictions threaten trade, tourism and jobs.
Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it had suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya, halted visas for Kenyans and barred arrivals from Kenya, including those transiting through other countries. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged Riyadh’s right to adopt public health measures, but called a blanket ban on anyone who has been in Kenya during the previous 21 days disproportionate and unsupported by scientific evidence. It urged Saudi Arabia to give the World Health Organization scientific justification within 48 hours, and said it would raise the matter with Africa’s disease control agency.
The ministry said all nine Kenyan cases link back to a single imported infection, with no community transmission and no new cases since 19 October. Two people have died. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said five of the seven patients still in treatment had recorded their first negative tests and awaited a second test on Monday. All contacts are set to leave quarantine by 11 November.
Kenya warned that the ban could affect pilgrims, migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, students, trade and tourism.
