EDHS Contemporary World Affairs

kristina chaney · Veteran Member

The Hawk Factor- US unveils plan for West Africa visitors

Amy Nguyen · Veteran Member

I do think that this precaution that Obama took is noteworthy that the government is taking more action to monitor air travel passengers for Ebola. While I'm not sure it'll will contain the virus form spreading more into the US, I do think that it holds a lot of promise ideally. However, many people would not be willing to be monitored for 3 weeks, simply because they have their own lives to live. Of course i may be wrong, but i think it will be a lot of work also to monitor all West African travelers by phone and by person (especially if authorities have to track them down).

Banddude · Senior Member

I do believe this program will allow the United States to better monitor the ebola virus domestically. I don't think people will enjoy being monitored for three weeks, however, I do believe they will at least be happy to have said medical attention. I would view it as a comfort. It would allow medical staff to treat me sooner if symptoms of the virus were to show up.

Mary Williams · Veteran Member

I think many people wont like it, but it can be a very positive thing.

Foley · Veteran Member

People already do not like people watching every move they make online, but being that this is to save peoples lives, it may have a different impact on how they think of this situation. People today already confuse the difference between security and fear, and the people creating that security even get confused about it too. I think that this situation is going to have equal and mixed results.

Sami_THECREATOR · Veteran Member

Ebola is a threat to us, however I think the threat has been blown way out of proportion. However, nothing is wrong with being cautious. These screenings should help us track Ebola's spread if it does continue to spread within the US.

aya · Veteran Member

It may prevent the spread for some time at least but some people may not want to be monitored for 3 weeks although they should because Ebola is a serious virus.

Alexis · Veteran Member

I think that is doesn't matter what the people have to say about it. IF this is the only way, and the United States sees as the best option; than i believe this is exactly what we should do. Even if its blown out of proportion, we all still know the potential that this epidemic has to spread enormously

Zachary Francine · Veteran Member

This should not have turned into a political issue like the administration has. Ebola broke out in west Africa MONTHS ago and we are just now announcing a "plan"?!?! There is also now a new Ebola case in NYC. The doctor passed the screening at JFK airport but now has been diagnosed and the government now has to track down everyone who was in close contact with him. He had been on the subway and bus before being diagnosed. The truth is that the screenings are not effective. It takes 21 days after infection for the virus to incubate and show itself. What the US needs to do is put a travel ban on people coming from the effected region in Africa like their surrounding nations have. The reasoning that it would make it more difficult for aid workers to move in and out is false. Charter flights can still go to the region, but if you've been to the area, you should be QUARANTINED for 21 days, not self report your symptoms.

Here to explain is Bill O'Reilly
video.foxnews.com/v/3857891628001/why-the-government-is-putting-all-americans-in-danger-/

kristiestoermer · Veteran Member

I think it is a smart idea to monitor travelers coming into the U.S. from any West African nations and that it may help to prevent the spread of the virus somewhat but to really ensure that Ebola doesn't get out we should quarantine people right when they get of the plane. I'm sure most people will not be very open to being monitored for 3 weeks straight, however it is necessary to contain the virus and keep our country safe. Barak Obama is right to say he believes the Ebola situation will get better because although things are not looking so bright right now, I believe the U.S. will figure out a way to terminate the disease.

Amber Kennedy · Veteran Member

This new precaution that we're taking to monitor and prevent the spread of Ebola is noteworthy. We will be able to protect more people and hopefully eventually get the virus off of our soil. In addition, I would like to add that I agree with what Zachary said. It's kind of pathetic that the virus broke out months ago and we are finally deciding to do something about it now. People though are not going to want to be monitored for three weeks. They will have places to go and things to do. And, as a few have mentioned, it takes a lot of resources to actually monitor every person traveling to the U.S. from West Africa.

zach nash · Veteran Member

I think that these precautions are necessary to keep the disease from spreading. I think that people would be willing to be monitored for 3 weeks in order to stop the dangerous disease.

Kayli Perry · Veteran Member

I think this will help prevent the spread of Ebola because it makes sure people aren't infected when they come to America. And while I don't think people will be willing to be monitored for 3 weeks, I think they just need to go with the program. By not being monitored, the people may unintentionally spread the disease to unsuspecting persons and endanger the population. I think the US should also build more containment beds to help with the spread of Ebola. That way when more people break out, they can be contained. And I agree with Obama that he would be "cautiously more optimistic" that he could contain the virus because the U.S. is actively making advances to contain the virus.

kami · Veteran Member

I really do think this will prevent the spread of ebola in the US but I don't think people would like being incubated for 3 weeks but they'll probably be able to understand that it's a precaution they need to take. And I think Obama's feelings of being "cautiously optimistic" are appropriate to the situation because now there's almost no if not any chance of there being an out break or ebola patients getting into the US.