Governor Cuomo is outlining New York State's plans for Ebola preparedness to assure New Yorkers that the State is taking every precaution to protect your health and safety.

The Governor has designated eight hospitals to treat potential patients with Ebola.

The designated hospitals are:

  • Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse
  • University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester
  • Mt. Sinai in Manhattan
  • New York Presbyterian in Manhattan
  • Bellevue in Manhattan
  • Montefiore in the Bronx
  • North Shore/LIJ Health System in Nassau County
  • Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island

The State Health Department is also issuing an order to all hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers and ambulance services requiring that they follow all protocols for identification, isolation and medical evaluation of patients requiring care.

Various other state agencies including the Port Authority, Department of Health and the Office of Public Safety have already begun addressing the potential threat.

The Port Authority will coordinate procedure and practice between all State airports to ensure proper training is in place for airport personnel, and the Port Authority Police Department will deploy two ambulances per shift at each of its airports to ensure timely and safe transport of potential Ebola patients.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will work to ensure that its employees have necessary equipment and training to protect themselves as well as subway, bus and railroad passengers.

Also, as part of the State's preparedness plan, unannounced drills currently happening at hospitals and health care facilities will be expanded to college campuses as well as subway and mass transit areas.

“Protecting the people of this state is one of our top priorities in government, and I want all New Yorkers to know that we are doing everything necessary to safeguard against the risks of ebola,” Governor Cuomo said. “Today I’m announcing a thorough effort involving multiple state agencies and authorities that will ensure we are prepared to address even the slightest possibility of this disease. On top of these measures, we are working in close coordination with federal and local agencies and health care professionals, and I want to thank all of them for their cooperation and support. This administration has always erred on the side of caution, and this issue is no different. New Yorkers should rest assured that we are taking the steps to be fully prepared for whatever the future brings.”

For more information on the Governor's Ebola preparedness plan, visit the Department of Health's Ebola facts website.

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