Murphy Calls For Immediate Measures To Stop Arrivals From West Africa And Mandatory Quarantines To Protect Public From Ebola

In response to New York’s first confirmed Ebola case, Yorktown Councilman and candidate for State Senate in the 40th District Dr. Terrence Murphy is calling for immediate action to be taken by President Obama to restrict travel and suspend visas from Ebola-stricken countries in West Africa until the deadly virus is contained.

In addition, Dr. Murphy is calling for a mandatory 21-day strict quarantine enforced by the Port Authority and Health Department of all travelers returning to New York from service in Ebola hotspots.

“As a health professional this is simply common sense,” Dr. Murphy said. “It is clearly time for action to protect the public. Ebola is spiraling out of control in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Infected travelers may not display symptoms until after they enter our country. Airport screening simply is not enough, and more precautions should be taken.”

Although Dr. Murphy believes medical professionals should have special waivers for travel to West Africa to work to defeat Ebola in that region, strict precautions should be taken upon their return to our country.

“The time is overdue for mandatory quarantines of all medical and military personnel returning from the Ebola ravaged countries. It is irresponsible and unacceptable to not have a required 21-day period of isolation to stop the spread of this terrible disease,” he continued.

The confirmed case of Ebola in New York is a physician who had been treating Ebola patients in Guinea while working with Doctors Without Borders. He reportedly rode the subway, went bowling and took a car service just hours before displaying Ebola symptoms and being rushed to Bellevue Hospital by first responders in hazmat suits.

“The Port Authority and state Health Department should ensure that returning health care workers and military personnel do not have interaction with others, or frequent public places until they are cleared beyond the 21-day incubation period. Protecting people’s health and stopping the spread of Ebola is paramount,” he said.

Dr. Murphy also believes the state Department of Health should develop step-by-step protocols on infectious diseases, including Ebola, to protect health care workers and the public.

Editors Note: Terrence Murphy is vying with Justin Wagner for the State Senate in the 40th District, which includes Peekskill, Yorktown, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Pleasantville, Southeast, Brewster, and part of New Castle.