New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that only returning health care workers who worked with Ebola patients in West Africa and show symptoms of the disease will be quarantined for 21 days.

This decision came on Oct. 26 after he was criticized for the original quarantine that would affect all health care workers who worked with Ebola patients. Workers who do not show symptoms are now permitted to return to their homes, but will be monitored for 21 days.

The original policy created controversy, especially in the health care community. Some questioned whether or not the rights of the health workers who traveled to West Africa to help with the Ebola outbreak were violated.

The White House called on states to revise their quarantine policies, and Mayor Bill de Blasio held a press conference in which he criticized the treatment of medical staff who have treated Ebola patients on Oct. 26.

Members of the NYU community shared their views on the presence of Ebola and the mandatory quarantine in New York City.   

“New York is facing a huge challenge with a virus like Ebola in the heart of such a populated city … What is to say the doctors were able to handle the situation without allowing any means for the virus to spread?” — Olamide Olawuni, CAS freshman

“I think New York is handling it a million times better than Texas because they’re actually doing quarantines and they aren’t releasing Ebola patients after a few days. There needs to be stricter policies implemented with regards to contact in treatment to prevent spread.”
— Nicole Leal, CAS junior

“An outbreak to more than the already hospitalized man is unlikely. I think the media coverage is typical. Media in the 21st century has always been about sensationalizing the news instead of reporting and offering insightful analysis on it. We will all be just fine.” — Jeremy Harris, Tisch sophomore

“The fact that they were able to map out everywhere [Spencer] went is perfect … I think we’re more prepared here than other places.” — Frances Nieves, Steinhardt sophomore

“I think the scare is exaggerated because it is not airborne, and it is not prevalent.” — Minhee Lee, Steinhardt freshman

“I feel like New York has a lot of resources for anything that comes its way. I think there could be more media coverage, I think we could be updated more about what’s going on.” — Jack Flatley, Steinhardt sophomore

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Oct. 27 print edition. Email Alanna Bayarin at [email protected].