While there are no reports of an Ebola case in the city or state, officials are stepping up their efforts to properly handle the virus should it arrive.
Governor Andrew Cuomo joined leaders from the healthcare system, the Port Authority and the MTA on Thursday where he told reporters that he would not be surprised if the Ebola virus surfaced in New York.
Officials say the state is currently training all of the individuals who would be responsible for responding to an Ebola case.
While eight hospitals are prepared to treat patients with the virus, Cuomo says all 200 hospitals across the state are being trained to recognize the disease.
Officials are also conducting unannounced drills to make sure multiple agencies can handle a patient through the entire process.
The Port Authority says it is talking with airports around the state about screening passengers.
The MTA says it has a protocol in place for removing possibly infectious human waste from trains and buses.
Meantime, the city Health Department has put out new guidelines for schools and daycare centers just in case.
Health officials say any child or staff member who arrives in the U.S. from an Ebola-affected area should check for fever every day for 21 days.
If the person starts running a fever or shows another early symptom within the 21 day time period they should stay home and immediately see a doctor.
Staff members who are at school when symptoms begin to show are urged to leave work and call their doctor.
Children who show symptoms at school or in daycare should be seen by the school nurse. If there is no nurse, children should be put in a private room until a parent can pick them up and take them to a doctor.
For more information, visit nyc.gov/health.
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