Bangkok, May 21 (SANA) Thailand has strengthened Ebola screening and prevention measures across its aviation sector after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority said Thursday it had coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health, quarantine officials, airlines and airport operators to standardize health protocols across the country’s aviation network amid concerns over cross-border transmission.
The Health Ministry on Wednesday designated the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as high-risk areas for Ebola infection and advised the public to avoid non-essential travel to both countries.
Thai authorities said travelers who must visit the affected countries would be required to register through the “Thai Health Pass” system, while incoming foreign passengers must complete Thailand’s digital arrival card to support disease surveillance and contact tracing efforts.
Airlines operating routes linked to the affected regions were instructed to notify passengers about public health requirements, conduct health screening procedures before departure and share travel and seating information with health authorities when necessary.
Officials also carried out emergency response drills for suspected Ebola cases detected onboard aircraft or after arrival in Thailand as part of broader preparedness measures involving airlines, airports and public health agencies.
Earlier this week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned about the scale and rapid spread of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus has killed at least 131 people.
The WHO subsequently declared a public health emergency of international concern, its second-highest alert level, citing concerns over the potential spread of the disease across borders.
R.D/ABD
