NEW YORK (AP) -- The governors of New Jersey and New York say they're issuing a mandatory quarantine for travelers who have had contact with Ebola-infected patients in West Africa.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a health care worker who had contact with Ebola patients in Africa already has been quarantined even though she has no symptoms. They say the woman landed at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey on Friday.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christi, with health commissioner Mary O'Dowd, right, at Hackensack University Medical Center Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christi, with health commissioner Mary O'Dowd, right, at Hackensack University Medical Center Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Any person traveling from the three West African nations who had contact with infected, or possibly infected, people will be automatically quarantined for 21 days. This includes doctors.

According to The Record, the woman is "a U.S. citizen and healthcare worker" who had traveled from Sierra Leone and told New Jersey officials that she had worn protective clothing during her contact with Ebola patients.

Here is the text of statements issued by the two governors:

"Since taking office, I have erred on the side of caution when it comes to the safety and protection of New Yorkers, and the current situation regarding Ebola will be no different,” said Governor Cuomo. “The steps New York and New Jersey are taking today will strengthen our safeguards to protect our residents against this disease and help ensure those that may be infected by Ebola are treated with the highest precautions.   I want to thank Governor Christie and his team for their spirit of partnership. This is an evolving situation but one that tests the ability of government to perform and as we have done in the past when facing similar challenges, we will do whatever is needed to put the health and safety of the people first."

New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio (left to right) and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speak at a press conference
New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio (left to right) and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speak at a press conference (Bryan Thomas/Getty Images)
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“I have been clear that we will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the public health of the people of New Jersey which is exactly what these joint efforts with Governor Cuomo will do with additional screening and heightened standards for quarantine,” said Governor Christie.  “By demanding these enhanced measures, we are ensuring that any suspected cases are identified quickly and effectively, and that proper safeguards are executed.”

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