The United States has mandated that the Democratic Republic of Congo's World Cup football squad undergo a 21-day isolation period in Belgium before they are allowed to enter the country.
The measure is a response to the deadly Ebola outbreak currently affecting the African nation.
The team must remain within a strict training bubble in Belgium until they travel to Houston on June 11th.
While non-Americans from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan face a temporary US travel ban, the Congolese team received an exemption provided they adhere to the isolation protocol.
The directive was issued by the White House Task Force for the World Cup and the US Department of Homeland Security directly to FIFA, the Congolese national team, and the government in Kinshasa.
The goal is to prevent the virus from reaching American borders.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, stated that the team must maintain the integrity of their bubble for 21 days before traveling to Houston.
He emphasized that the Congolese government must ensure compliance or risk losing the ability to travel to the United States.
The strict measures follow recent health data indicating a worsening medical situation in Congo.
The World Health Organization reported 82 confirmed cases and seven confirmed deaths from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments.
Nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths have also been recorded.
The safety protocols aim to protect everyone involved in the upcoming international tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Giuliani stressed the importance of ensuring nothing harmful enters or approaches US borders.
Due to the public health crisis, Congo canceled its domestic World Cup training camp and scheduled fan events.
The squad has localized its preparations in Europe instead.
This tournament marks only the second time the African nation has qualified for the World Cup.
Their sole previous appearance was in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.
The Congolese squad is scheduled to establish its tournament base in Houston, Texas, where they will open their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17th.
