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CDC to monitor all incoming passengers from West Africa into U.S. beginning Monday

"We're checking at exit. We're checking at entry. We're checking each of the 21 days."

By Matt Bradwell
U.S. President Barack Obama makes some comments after meeting with Ebola Response Coordinator Ron Klain (R) and his staff in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington DC on October 22, 2014. Obama that safeguards have been put in place to keep America safe from the deadly disease. UPI/Pat Benic
1 of 2 | U.S. President Barack Obama makes some comments after meeting with Ebola Response Coordinator Ron Klain (R) and his staff in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington DC on October 22, 2014. Obama that safeguards have been put in place to keep America safe from the deadly disease. UPI/Pat Benic | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- As of Monday, the U.S. Center for Disease Control will closely monitor all travelers entering the U.S. from Ebola-stricken countries public health officials announced today.

The regulated monitoring will be required for all passengers returning from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, regardless of their national origin, meaning American healthcare workers, tourists and journalists would be subject as well.

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"These new measures I'm announcing today will give additional levels of safety so that people who develop symptoms of Ebola are isolated quickly," CDC Director Thomas Frieden said in press conference.

"We're checking at exit. We're checking at entry. We're checking each of the 21 days. We will continue to do whatever we can to protect Americans. If someone is ill, they will be isolated."

Despite the increased protections at home, Frieden emphasized the U.S. won't be in the clear until Africa is.

"Until we can stop the outbreak at the source, we can do lots of things to reduce the risk," Frieden said.

"The risk is getting lower through these measures, but until the outbreak is stopped, we can't make the risk zero here."

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