NJ governor Christie defends mandatory quarantine program

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today defended the mandatory quarantine program of his state in light of the current Ebola scare, amid growing criticism from scientists and public health experts over the restrictions.

Experts claimed that the restrictions are overly broad and would prove detrimental in the fight against Ebola in West Africa.

The New England Journal of Medicine, in an editorial published on its website, said the approach taken by New Jersey, New York and several other states "is not scientifically based, is unfair and unwise, and will impede essential efforts to stop these awful outbreaks of Ebola disease at their source, which is the only satisfactory goal."

The guidelines were issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday. As per the new guidelines, the travelers returning to the US who have had exposure to Ebola patients must voluntarily isolate themselves for 21 days as part of the mandatory quarantine program.

It is notable that the new guidelines expanded on previous protocols and restrict movement. They say that returning medical workers, should not, for instance, fly on commercial airlines during the 21-day monitoring period.