The Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo’s World Cup squad have been told to isolate for 21 days. The measure is necessary before they can enter the United States.
DR Congo are training in Belgium after their Kinshasa camp was cancelled. This relocation ensures compliance with strict health protocols.
The executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup Andrew Giuliani confirmed the requirement for strict isolation.
“They need to maintain that bubble or they risk not being able to travel,” Giuliani stated.
“We cannot be any clearer,” he told ESPN.
The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) has banned entry from non-Americans recently present in affected regions. These include DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Strict health protocols and travel restrictions threaten DR Congo World Cup participation
All DR Congo’s players are based outside the country, reducing immediate risk. However, any breach could jeopardise their participation.
“If there are other people that are going to be coming in, they need to have a separate bubble,” Giuliani added.
“If they end up coming… they are risking the entire team being able to compete.”
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the outbreak risk from “high” to “very high” in DR Congo. Globally, the risk remains classified as low.
DR Congo will play friendlies against Denmark and Chile before the tournament. They open their World Cup campaign against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on 17 June.
