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PORTALES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's top health officials say the risk of an Ebola case in the state is low, but administrators at Roosevelt General Hospital aren't taking any chances.
Starting Friday, the rural eastern New Mexico hospital will begin pre-screening for Ebola at a parking lot checkpoint.
Each incoming vehicle must stop so visitors and patients can answer a series of questions regarding recent travel and symptoms.
Hospital CEO Larry Leaming says he's taking the proactive measure to keep staff and patients safe.
In the event of a positive screening, Leaming says the person would be transferred to a quarantined section of the hospital.
State and federal health officials aren't aware of any other hospitals that have set up parking lot checkpoints. The state Health Department says it doesn't recommend the approach.
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Information from: KENW-TV, http://kenw.org
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