TORONTO - Ontario's health minister says he disagrees with putting asymptomatic health-care workers into quarantine upon their return from Ebola-affected countries.
The governors of New York and New Jersey have been at odds with scientists over Ebola in ordering mandatory 21-day quarantines for medical workers returning from West Africa, even if they show no signs of the deadly disease.
Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins says as a medical doctor who has worked in Africa and someone who has a PhD in public health, he does not believe that is good science.
A New Jersey nurse, who was the first person forced into a mandatory quarantine in the state, had protested being kept in a tent for two days and was talking about suing. The state Health Department said in a statement Monday that Kaci Hickox was to be released and taken to Maine, where she lives.
Hoskins says putting workers who are not showing symptoms into quarantine is a disincentive for health-care professionals to go to West Africa, which is what will help solve the epidemic.
He also says the province will shortly issue a directive for paramedics on dealing with suspected Ebola cases.
