UK: Media sources are reporting that healthworkers returning from operations in Ebola treatment units in west Africa will have their movements restricted even more stringently. Currently Public Health England requires staff who have provided care to Ebola patients to reside in private accommodation, self monitor for 21 days, and report their condition daily to authorities. They cannot fly, and may only travel on journeys up to one hour. Healthworkers cannot have any patient contact during this time. These restrictions apply even if full personal protective equipment has been used and there were no breaches in infection control.
Sierra Leone: At least 59 new Ebola cases have been detected, 43 of which are confirmed. Over 18,000 contacts are listed for follow up. A review of health services in the country since the onset of the Ebola outbreak confirms that there has been a"dramatic documented decline in facility inpatient admissions and major surgery". Read more...
UN: Addressing a press conference, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated the Ebola outbreak has slowed down significantly owing to the "...joint national, regional and global efforts". However, the UN Chief acknowledged that "...much remains to be done". Mr. Ban promised continued support from the UN until the outbreak is over and also extended an offer to restore social, economic and health services in the affected countries. The Secretary-General repeated the pledge to eradicate Ebola completely and appealed to the international community "...to remain mobilized". The UN Chief is on a two-day solidarity tour to the Ebola affected countries.
WHO: The latest data from 19 December reveals that Ebola has infected a total of more than 19,000 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone with at least 7,370 deaths. Sierra Leone is worst affected with in excess of 8,700 infected people and nearly 2,500 deaths. Liberia's total of around 7,800 has increased more slowly than Sierra Leone in recent weeks, although more people have died here with more than 3,300 fatal cases. Guinea's case counts are much lower with around 2,450 cases and 1,550 deaths.
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