WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Governor Lincoln Chafee is criticizing state leaders in New York and New Jersey for backing 21-day quarantines for medical workers returning from West Africa.
The Democrat says society needs to ratchet down the hysteria about Ebola, and the quarantines could hurt the efforts of Americans trying to aid disease-ravaged countries.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced a mandatory quarantine program Friday for medical workers and other arriving airline passengers who have had contact with Ebola victims in West Africa. Illinois soon followed suit.
Chafee said Monday he recognizes the governors are trying to do the right thing but there has to be a balance.
The nation’s top infectious-disease expert has also warned that such restrictions are unnecessary.
