New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made no changes to the mandatory policy to quarantine some people returning from Ebola-stricken West Africa on Sunday, but he did say the state will not quarantine anyone not showing symptoms unless under extreme circumstances, according to The Associated Press.
Cuomo says health care professionals or passengers arriving in New York who had exposure to people infected with Ebola and reside in the state are asked to stay in their homes for 21 days, the AP reported. The governor said New York was making no change in its policy from what was announced on Friday during a press conference with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Those in quarantine could receive visitors and see family members during their isolation, Cuomo said, but the state will make alternative arrangements for non-residents deemed to be at high risk but without symptoms, according to the AP.
If a person arrives from one of the affected areas with no symptoms and had no direct contact with anyone infected with the Ebola virus, the state will require twice-a-day temperature checks for 21 days, at a minimum, it said in a statement after the press conference, the New York Daily News said.
Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement Sunday night due to criticism from the White House about the new procedure, according to the Daily News. The White House was putting pressure on Cuomo and Christie to backtrack on the new rules, which exceed federal guidelines.
"We're trying to balance aid to West Africa and protection and the public health of New Yorkers and addressing the fear and concern of New Yorkers," Cuomo said, the AP reported.
The Department of Health or local health department said they will coordinate care services such as food and medicine and the state would also provide financial assistance for 21 days for quarantined people in need, according to the AP.
