Virginia decides against quarantine for Ebola-exposed travelers

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe decided against instituting a broad quarantine for travelers from Ebola-stricken African nations after criticism of such steps in Illinois, New York and New Jersey.

McAuliffe said in a statement today that the state will increase monitoring of those traveling from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and will order quarantines only if needed.

Health-care workers returning from those countries must agree to restrictions on activity. Those who breached medical protocol in a way that could have exposed them to infection will be required to stay home for 21 days. Others will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be restricted from public transportation, gatherings and health clinics.

"This thoughtful and evidence-based process will protect our citizens in a manner consistent with our current laws and the current threat," William Hazel, Virginia's health secretary, said in a statement.