​On October 27, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued interim guidance on monitoring people potentially exposed to Ebola, evaluating their intended travel, and making decisions about movement restrictions. Individuals are classified into high, some, and low (but not zero) risk categories, and CDC offers recommendations regarding monitoring, travel restrictions, exclusion from work or public places, quarantine, medical evaluation, and isolation for individuals in each category. Notably, the guidelines suggest direct active monitoring but no restrictions on travel, work, use of public conveyances, or attendance at congregate gatherings for asymptomatic healthcare workers who had direct contact with sick Ebola patients while using appropriate personal protective equipment. Many news stories and resources continue to emerge regarding the outbreak, including the following:

• CDC also released an algorithm for evaluating and managing emergency department (ED) patients who may have Ebola. Broadly, the steps are to identify exposure history and symptoms, isolate the patient and select necessary personal protective equipment, and inform health officials and appropriate internal staff.
• An October 26, 2014, New York Times article states that Governors Cuomo and Christie have maintained 21-day quarantines for asymptomatic healthcare workers who have had contact with Ebola patients but say the quarantines may be spent at home.
• An October 21, 2014, Fox News article summarizes new monitoring and other restrictions for all travelers from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
• The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine are launching two free online Ebola education courses, according to an October 27, 2014, press release. The course for clinicians is already available through iTunes and Moodle.
• An October 28, 2014, CNN article states that both nurses who were infected with Ebola after treating Thomas Eric Duncan have now recovered.
• An October 29, 2014, USA Today article states that the nurse who was released from quarantine in New Jersey does not intend to adhere to a 21-day home quarantine mandated by the state of Maine and will pursue legal action if the state attempts to enforce it.
• An October 27, 2014, New York Daily News article states that the New York doctor who contracted Ebola is still in serious condition but "looks better."

HRC Recommends: In light of the potential threat posed by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the subsequent diagnosis of patients in the United States, healthcare organizations should review their emergency plans, especially components that relate to infectious disease. The emergency preparedness team should specifically review and prepare to follow guidance available from CDC, as well as any applicable state regulations.