Beni, October 18th, 2026 (CPA).- Authorities in North Kivu province have imposed a one-week ban on entry into the province for people arriving from Ituri, the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in the north-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in a bid to curb the spread of the disease, according to a statement consulted by the CPA on Sunday.
“Following the worsening of this serious, dangerous, contagious and deadly disease, participants jointly and unanimously adopted a formal ban on the entry into North Kivu province of people coming from Ituri province for a period of one week,” the statement read. The statement, signed by Me David Kamuha, chief of staff to the provincial governor, outlines the resolutions adopted at a meeting attended by representatives of various segments of the population.
Other measures concern the transport sector and public health. In the transport sector, the measures prohibit motorcycles from carrying more than two people, namely the driver and one passenger. Cars are limited to four passengers, while off-road vehicles commonly known as jeeps may carry up to six passengers in addition to the driver. Vehicles used to transport goods may carry only the driver and their assistant. Vehicle disinfection, hand washing and temperature screening are also mandatory at checkpoints and entry points. Participants further decided to suspend mass sporting activities, entertainment in nightclubs, karaoke sessions and concerts, as well as parades and political demonstrations. Other measures include the closure of brothels, a ban on the sale of high-alcohol-content beverages, and the rotation of male and female vendors in markets.
Compliance with preventive measures is compulsory during religious services. On the public health front, the statement adds that dignified and safe burials must be conducted in the presence of no more than 20 family members. The transportation of living people and dead bodies in the same vehicle is prohibited. Ebola screening is also required before suspected offenders and defendants are transferred to police cells, prisons and state-run detention and rehabilitation facilities.
“Monday, October 19th, has been declared ‘Stop Ebola Day’. No activities will take place, except those carried out by authorized services and establishments, while public administrations will maintain minimum services for one month,” the document states. The Provincial Security Committee, the police, health services and other designated bodies have been tasked with ensuring compliance with the measures, which provide for penalties against violators. All these provisions will come into force on October 19th, 2026, the document specifies. CPA/