Speaking to reporters from the White House Monday, Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters a travel ban to the United States from Ebola stricken countries isn't something being considered by the Obama administration as calls to implement restrictions grow louder.
"As it relates to the prospect of a travel ban, this is something they we're not, that's not being considered right now," Earnest said. "The concern that we have is that we are relying on the commercial transportation system to move supplies and personnel into the region to try to meet the needs of the individuals who are effected by Ebola and to stop this outbreak at the source. That is what will be critical to our broader success here so we don't want to obstruct one of the core components of our strategy here. We remain confident that we can keep those travel channels open and ensure the flow of supplies and personnel to the region while at the same time putting in place screening measures both on the ground in Africa, in transit and on the ground here in the United States that will ensure the safety of the traveling public and the American public here at home."
When asked what it would take to implement a travel ban, including more confirmed cases of Ebola in the U.S., Earnest didn't give a direct answer but tried to reassure worried Americans medical infrastructure is in place to deal with the deadly disease.
President Obama is meeting with CDC Director Tom Frieden today to assess additional airport screening as people leave Ebola stricken countries in Africa and eventually enter the United States.
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