Port Authority police request Ebola travel ban at Newark, JFK

FROM NJ.COM: A nationwide group representing airport law enforcement officers — including Port Authority police at Newark and JFK — is calling for a ban on commercial air travel to the U.S. from countries with Ebola outbreaks.

Photo Credit: *Cliffview Pilot File Photo*

Jerry DeMarco

10/16/2014 8:20 p.m.

The group was drafting a letter to Congress seeking the travel ban, along with a requirement that American medical personnel and Ebola patients traveling from the affected West African countries be flown on military aircraft, Nj.com is reporting.

“We’re calling for a restriction on flights from these afflicted countries,” said Bobby Egbert of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.

Authorities say Newark and JFK are among five airports that are the U.S. points of entry for 94% of fliers from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where the virus has killed more than 4,000 people.

The PAPD recently issued portable safety kits to its officers to provide some immediate protection from the virus — including gowns, gloves, masks and antibacterial spray. READ MORE….

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