US to let DR Congo team in for World Cup despite Ebola restrictions

In a move that highlights the delicate balance between public health concerns and international sporting events, the United States has announced it will allow the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) national football team to participate in the World Cup. This decision comes despite existing entry bans for non-Americans who have recently been in the DRC due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. A senior State Department official confirmed that the DRC team, the sole qualifier from the affected region, will be granted an exemption. While the team has been training in Europe, potentially circumventing the ban, the US is prepared to implement strict screening and isolation protocols for any members who may have been in the DRC within the last 21 days. This exemption, however, will not extend to ordinary fans wishing to support their team. The situation underscores the global impact of the Ebola crisis, which the World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency, noting its scale and rapid spread.

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We expect the DRC team to be able to attend the World Cup.