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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Governor Scott Walker has announced an Ebola preparedness plan for Wisconsin.
In the plan released Friday, Walker says he has directed state leaders to take action to implement emergency preparedness measures aimed at protecting the public in case the Ebola virus spreads to the Badger State.
“Here in Wisconsin, we take protecting the public from a potential health crisis very seriously,” Governor Walker said in a release. “We are taking these steps because, while we hope for the best, we must be prepared for the worst. Prevention is key to stopping the spread of any illness. ”
The governor says state officials will train the Wisconsin National Guard on protocols in case the virus comes here, creating a clinical team to help with expertise in the state's response and calling on the federal government to institute a commercial travel ban for affected countries in West Africa.
"While it is important for flights deemed medically necessary to be able to transport medical professionals to and from affected countries, President Obama should immediately put a ban on commercial travel to and from the affected countries," said Governor Walker. "We must balance our continued efforts to support medical systems and contain and eradicate the virus in West Africa with taking necessary steps to protect American citizens from the virus spreading further within our country."
Currently there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Wisconsin, and no tests have been conducted or are pending due to suspected cases.
In addition to these steps announced, to prevent the spread of the potentially deadly virus to Wisconsin, the state has in place a surveillance policy to monitor people who have reported travel to Ebola-stricken countries.
You can find out more information about Ebola here.
