The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mass gatherings in the capital, Kinshasa, and three other provinces in a bid to curb the spread of the Ebola virus, the Interior Ministry said in a directive to provincial governors late on Sunday.

Political meetings, public marches, demonstrations and other gatherings likely to attract large crowds are banned in Kinshasa, Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele provinces, according to the directive signed by Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani.

The Ebola outbreak has been concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with authorities saying the latest move will prevent it from spreading to neighbouring areas.

Confirmed cases have climbed to 1,274, including 360 deaths, since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026, according to a Health Ministry situation update released Monday.

Mandatory quarantine

The latest measures follow the recent introduction of a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers from Ebola-affected areas.

Last month, authorities also suspended sports and other social activities in Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak.