City health officials met Tuesday to discuss preparations in case Ebola makes its way into the five boroughs.
The Department of Health says it’s prepared to detect the virus, handle it and protect the public if a case should occur.
Doctors with the agency say they are working with hospitals and health care providers to make sure correct protocols are in place.
They say some hospitals are even running their own drills.
The Health Department says it has received 88 phone calls from concerned physicians, 11 of whom had patients who met the travel and symptom criteria, but zero tested positive for Ebola.
“We have the protocols in place. We have the ability to identify, isolate, assess potential Ebola patients and we’re confident that we’re ready,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.
“We have updated our protocols with the CDC quarantine station at JFK International Airport and our partners at Port Authority. We have also been coordinating with FDNY EMS to develop plans for safe transport of patients who have suspected EVD or who may have EVD,” said Dr. Celia Quinn of the city Department of Health. “And we’ve also held some discussion with NYPD about plans for safely managing a patient with Ebola who is not compliant with isolation orders.”
The DOH is reminding everyone that the virus is not airborne and can only be spread through contact with bodily fluids.
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