Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health advises against travel to the affected nations, and says that the entry ban for visitors from the affected African nations is in the best interests of the country.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations yesterday issued a statement regarding the Prime Minister’s announcement of a travel ban on visitors from the three West African countries severely affected by the ongoing Ebola epidemic.

“The countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have been described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having widespread and intense Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission,” Saint Lucia's health ministry said.

“In addition, the WHO indicates that the Ebola epidemic is worsening in these three countries, with projections for rapid increases in the number of persons infected in the coming weeks and months.

“As a result of this deteriorating situation in West Africa, we believe that the decision to ban the entry of visitors who have a recent history of travel from Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, is in the best interests of a developing country such as St. Lucia.”

The Ministry stated that the ban will reduce the risk of the public—and health care workers in particular—contracting the disease, and further advised citizens against travel to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone.

Additionally, visitors from Nigeria will be required to present a recent medical certificate and a Visa to be allowed entry into Saint Lucia, the Prime Minister stated.