Pittenger on Ebola screening: "Finally!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ON ENHANCED EBOLA SCREENING:  “FINALLY!”

CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) first called for travel restrictions and enhanced screening of travelers from West Africa on October 3rd.  His request for “immediate and decisive action to protect and prevent American citizens from further exposure to the deadly Ebola virus” was reiterated in a letter he wrote to President Obama on October 8th, co-signed by a bipartisan group of 25 Members of Congress.

On October 23rd, the Administration finally announced that all travelers from Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone will be screened upon entry and monitored for the full 21-day Ebola incubation period. 

“Twenty-seven African nations, along with British Airways and Air France, have already taken decisive action to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading to new countries,” commented Congressman Pittenger.  “Finally, we are joining them in taking responsible, prudent steps to protect hardworking American families.

“We must never give in to fear, but we must also be wise, implementing necessary safeguards in the face of new threats until the danger has passed or our systems made ready.  Full monitoring of all travelers from West Africa should have begun several weeks ago.”

Congressman Pittenger is currently exploring how the federal government can support international aid organizations on the front-line of the Ebola fight through better use of existing resources and programs.

###