Comment from Palkovic, Amit

I respectfully request that CDC reconsider both the inclusion of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in this Order and the continued inclusion of Uganda if its epidemiologic situation continues to improve. The original May 18, 2026 Order did not apply to lawful permanent residents. The May 22 amendment changed that policy, and the June 21 continuation maintains it. Lawful permanent residents have established homes, families, and employment in the United States. If designated airport processing, public health screening, exposure assessment, and 21-day monitoring are sufficient to protect public health for U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals returning from Uganda, I respectfully request that CDC reconsider allowing lawful permanent residents to return under those same public health safeguards or explain why those measures are insufficient for LPRs. I also respectfully request that CDC evaluate Uganda separately from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) when conducting its updated public health assessment. The June 21 Order states that Uganda had 19 confirmed cases as of June 14, that all cases were epidemiologically linked to the DRC outbreak, and that transmission remained concentrated within the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The Order also recognizes Uganda's surveillance, border screening, and emergency response measures. Since the outbreak began, Uganda has implemented significant measures to reduce the risk of importation from the DRC, including restrictions on cross-border passenger travel, enhanced border screening, and additional public health controls for travelers entering from affected areas. These measures demonstrate Uganda's continued efforts to prevent new importations and limit further transmission. In addition, CDC has maintained a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Uganda, advising travelers to practice enhanced precautions rather than avoid travel. While I understand that travel health notices and entry restrictions serve different purposes, Uganda's continued Level 2 designation, together with its relatively limited outbreak and robust public health response, supports reevaluating whether Uganda should continue to be treated the same as the DRC under this Order. The June 21 Order explains that the purpose of the 30-day extension is to determine whether there has been a material change in the outbreak trajectory. I respectfully ask CDC to evaluate Uganda independently based on its current epidemiology, public health response, and border control measures when determining whether any future exercise of this authority remains necessary. Accordingly, I respectfully request that CDC consider one or both of the following actions: Restore the original exemption for lawful permanent residents that existed under the May 18 Order, allowing LPRs to return under the same screening and monitoring protocols that apply to U.S. citizens; and/or Remove Uganda from any future Order if its outbreak continues to remain limited, contained, and epidemiologically distinct from the ongoing outbreak in the DRC. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued efforts to protect public health.