The announcement was an effort to alleviate concerns that the state’s mandatory quarantine policy could deter desperately needed workers from traveling overseas.
Under the new protections, modeled after the rights granted military reservists, workers could not suffer any pay cuts or demotions for serving in Africa, and the state would make up any lost income if they had to be quarantined when they returned.
“In particular, the State of New York and the City of New York will work to ensure that health care workers who selflessly travel to West Africa to treat Ebola patients would have their pay, health care and employment statuses continue seamlessly when they get back,” said a statement from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing the initiative.
Governor Cuomo announced the quarantine policy last Friday, one day after a doctor who had worked in Guinea treating Ebola patients became the first person in New York City to receive an Ebola diagnosis.
