Central Brooklyn City Councilmembers Robert Cornegy and Laurie Cumbo released a joint statement following news reports that a Bedford-Stuyvesant resident who recently returned from Mali was brought to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan where he is being tested for the Ebola virus.
“We do not yet know if our community member is suffering from Ebola or if his symptoms are due to another issue. Whatever the case may be, we are grateful that our city is well prepared to give him proven treatment of the highest quality while also protecting others who may be at risk,” they said in the statement.
“We encourage our constituents to maintain their compassionate focus on the well-being of us all. Anyone concerned that they have been exposed to ebola through travel or other means should call 911 to access a medical response, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay. Others with questions or concerns may call 311 or our offices to be added to the contact list for future public health related outreach efforts,” they added.
The lawmakers noted that Central Brooklyn is home to many New Yorkers who are part of the African Diaspora and have held and will continue to hold Ebola forums and do outreach on the disease to constituents in their districts.
