Mass. Gubernatorial Candidates Differ on Ebola Crisis

Republican Charlie Baker favors mandatory quarantines to keep the public safe from the virus; Democrat Martha Coakley agrees more needs to be done, but thinks voluntary identification will suffice.

The Ebola scare is making its way into the Massachusetts race for governor, with Charlie Baker and Martha Coakley staking out different positions on the question of mandatory quarantines.

Baker supports taking mandatory steps. Coakley thinks voluntary identification will suffice.

Both would like to see more done.

"I think it's important that anybody who's traveled from West Africa make sure they self-identify, and we can respond quickly here in Massachusetts, or bring them to one of the four centers in the country," said Coakley.

Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie, the governors of New York, New Jersey, respectively, announced Friday a 21-day, mandatory quarantine for all doctors and travelers who have had contact with Ebola victims in West Africa. The state of Illinois has adopted similar guidelines, which are stricter than the CDC's recommendation of voluntary quarantines.

"Governors Cuomo and Christie have not been alarmists about this - in fact, just the opposite," said Baker. "The fact that they're taking this position, I think, is an important message to everybody. And, as governor, I would seriously consider it."

Gov. Deval Patrick says mandatory quarantines aren't necessary in Massachusetts.

"Probably a step further than we need here in the commonwealth, but we're prepared, and it's certainly a step further than what the CDC has recommended," said Gov. Patrick.

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