911 operators to screen for Ebola risk in Berks County

READING, Pa. (WPVI) -- Dispatchers in Berks County are set to become the first line of defense against the disease.

According to WFMZ-TV, 911 operators will now be asking patients extra questions to see if they are showing any symptoms of Ebola, just in case an infected person manages to show up in Berks County.

"There's no question that this issue is on the minds of many people in our community, and frankly, throughout the world. I believe, as a county, we have an obligation to look at this," said Berks County Commissioner Christian

Leinbach. "We have and will continue to be on top of it."

Leinbach addressed the initiative during the commissioner's weekly meeting on Thursday. He said the plan was suggested by the CDC and is simply an enhancement to pre-existing policies involving infectious diseases.