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British Airways extends flight ban after Ebola outbreak

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A suspension of flights to Sierra Leone and Liberia has been extended by British Airways due to the Ebola virus outbreak in west Africa.


Flights were originally grounded from August 6 until the end of the month but the airline has now extended the ban until December 31 due to the deteriorating public health situation.


Some other airlines have also suspended flights to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.


The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which made the announcement in an updated travel advisory, said: “You should carefully assess your need to travel to these countries.


“If you do decide to travel, you should make sure you have adequate arrangements in place for onward travel/exit and have adequate emergency health provision.”


The FCO added that general medical facilities throughout Sierra Leone are under severe strain due to the Ebola outbreak, and unable to provide the same standard of healthcare as in the UK.


“Dedicated healthcare facilities for Ebola are overwhelmed. Many medical facilities expect to be paid up-front,” the travel advisory added.

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