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Philadelphia City Council Holds Hearing On Ebola Preparedness

By Walt Hunter

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- During a nearly four hour hearing before a City Council Committee, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. James Buehler gave the city an "A to A plus"rating for preparing for the Ebola threat.

Others, however, indicated there were problems that needed to be overcome.

Joe Schulle, President of the Philadelphia Firefighters Union, showed council members suits and protective gear the city is now distributing to medics and firefighters claiming the suits, which include paper masks and booties, are not sufficient protection from the Ebola threat.

City officials say they meet all current CDC requirements.

City Councilman Curtis Jones who led the hearing expressed his concerns that members of Philadelphia's Liberian community are being stigmatized by the disease, even as they are devastated by the loss of family members in their homeland.

The Honorable Gurly Gibson, from the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C., also testified asking Americans to join with the West African community providing support.

 

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