Cuomo: ‘I did not change my position’

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is pushing back against criticism that he and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) relaxed their policies on Ebola quarantines, insisting their position remains “exactly the same.”

“Gov. Christie did not change his position. I did not change my position,” Cuomo said in an interview with Fox Business Network Wednesday.

{mosads}The two governors held a joint press conference last Friday to announce a controversial three-week quarantine policy for all healthcare workers who have treated Ebola, even if they do not show symptoms. The policies, which are the strictest in the country, quickly drew attacks from public health leaders.

Within days, both Cuomo and Christie made statements to clarify that health workers could be quarantined at home, rather than in a state facility. That move fueled accusations that the governors had caved under pressure from the White House, which opposed the 21-day mandatory quarantines.

Critics of the quarantines said that they would discourage needed healthcare workers from traveling to West Africa, where the disease has killed more than 4,000.

In the interview Wednesday, Cuomo stressed that he is still encouraging healthcare workers to help fight the deadly epidemic in West Africa. He said he would “provide financial incentives to get doctors to go,” though did not provide details.

Cuomo insisted, though, that neither New York or New Jersey planned to back down from their quarantine policy because there is still a threat to the public.

“At the end of the day, Gov. Christie and myself are responsible for the public health and safety of the people we represent. And we think this policy makes sense,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo is the latest state leader to make remarks this week praising doctors and nurses for their work combating Ebola amid a surge of criticism from international medical groups. President Obama also offered public support for the volunteers, inviting several to the White House on Wednesday.

Cuomo, who is up for reelection next Tuesday, also joked that he was hesitant to defend Christie’s stance on the quarantines, which has become a heated issue within the GOP.

“I don’t want to get involved in Republican politics. I have enough trouble with New York politics, Democratic politics,” he said.

Both Cuomo and Christie are seen as potential 2016 presidential contenders.