August 1, 2014 - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement regarding the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone:
“Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic outbreak in western Africa.
“There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Canada, and according to the Public Health Agency of Canada the risk to Canadians remains very low.
“The Ebola virus itself does not spread easily from person to person. It is not like the flu. It is spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, not through casual contact.
“All points of entry into Canada are routinely monitored, and travellers showing symptoms would be referred to quarantine officers, who have the authority to implement public health measures under the Quarantine Act to protect Canadians.
“The Government of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This recommendation is designed to protect Canadian travellers and allow health officials in the affected countries to focus their resources on responding to this tragic outbreak.
“For the latest advice and more information from the Government of Canada, Canadians should consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Health Notice on the Ebola Outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“The government is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with our missions responsible for the affected regions.
“Canada and its international partners are working around the clock to provide support to the affected regions. The Government of Canada has committed $1.41 million to date, and is providing Public Health Agency of Canada experts and a mobile lab in Sierra Leone which ensures rapid and vital diagnostics to assist in the response on the ground. Canada remains the second-largest donor country towards the response efforts.
“Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, toll-free at +1 613-996-8885 (collect call) or via email at sos@international.gc.ca.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983
Saro Khatchadourian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
(613) 944-2300
Saro.Khatchadourian@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
(343) 203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada and @TravelGoC
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD
Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991
1-866-225-0709
