Health officials 'stunned' by Ebola quarantine restrictions set on health workers ...

Jeff Bachner/for New York Daily News

A mandatory quarantine imposed by New York and New Jersey on health care workers who came into contact with Ebola victims in West Africa blindsided many local and federal health officials, according o a report.

'They're not happy,' a federal official told CNN regarding the federal Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. 'These two governors said, 'Take this, federal government.' They're very worried we won't be able to get physicians or nurses to go (to countries affected by the Ebola outbreak).'

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced the quarantine Friday a day after Dr. Craig Spencer - a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders - tested positive for the disease.

A New York City official also told the news agency the announcement was a 'real stunner.'

These two governors said, 'Take this, federal government.'

'They did this without consulting the city, and that's not a good thing,' the official said of the two governors. 'They didn't let anyone know in advance.'

The Atlanta-based agency sets the basic standards for how the health officials should be treated, but states can set tougher restrictions.

'When it comes to the federal standards set by the CDC, we will consider any measures that we believe have the potential to make the American people safer,' the CDC said in a statement.

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Illinois also set similar restrictions and the quarantine restrictions have been scrutinized publicly by several health organizations for its lack of clarity and enforceability

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett told CNN she is concerned that the requirement will discourage health workers from volunteering to help these areas.

An estimated 10,000 people have been infected with Ebola and about half of the victims have died from the disease.

Doctors Without Borders issued a statement Saturday saying they are trying to clarify the states' new policies.

'There is a notable lack of clarity about the new guidelines announced (Friday) by state authorities in New York and New Jersey,' said Sophie Delaunay, executive director of the organization. 'We are attempting to clarify the details of the protocols with each state's departments of health to gain a full understanding of their requirements and implications.'

Cuomo admitted Saturday that the policy may be difficult to impose on unwilling health care workers.

There is a notable lack of clarity about the new guidelines announced (Friday) by state authorities in New York and New Jersey.

'Could you have a hostile person who doesn't want to be quarantined?' the governor asked Saturday during a campaign swing through Queens. 'I suppose you could. But that hasn't been the case yet.'

It was not considered if people who refuse to comply with the quarantine could face prosecution or arrest.

A Texas nurse Kaci Hickox said she felt like she was treated like a criminal after she arrived in Newark airport Friday afternoon immediately after the new rule was announced.

The 33-year-old, who Doctors Without Borders said has tested negative for the disease, was helping victims in Sierra Leone.

'This is not a situation I would wish on anyone, and I am scared for those who will follow me,' Hickox wrote in a column for The Dallas Morning News. 'I am scared about how health-care workers will be treated at airports when they declare that they have been fighting Ebola in West Africa. I am scared that, like me, they will arrive and see a frenzy of disorganization, fear and, most frightening, quarantine.'

jlandau@nydailynews.com Follow on Twitter @joelzlandau

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