Controlling the Ebola anxiety: A travel ban with support from the Governor



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Because of the Ebola outbreak, some people are ditching their travel plans to certain destinations. And now, Governor Walker says he'd support a travel ban.

"It's definitely affected the travel industry," said Elisha Ben-Yitzhak, with Heavenly International Tours.

The time of year, Ben-Yitzhak is normally fielding calls for a January tour to Africa.

"Now is the time to book for next year and I don't see it," said Ben-Yitzhak.

The President of Heavenly International Tours says the trip has been postponed due to last of interest.

"We have less orders, less bookings for the future," Ben-Yitzhak said.

Business is down about 30% because travelers fears have gone up.

"I just went to Miami, someone coughed on the plane and everybody jumped on the plane like he has Ebola. People are afraid, people are worried and it becomes a panic," said Ben-Yitzhak.

To help control the anxiety and possible spread of Ebola to Wisconsin, Friday Governor Scott Walker announced he has directed state leaders to take action to implement emergency preparedness measures. One of the steps include calling on the Federal Government to institute a commercial travel ban for affected countries in West Africa.

"I think with an issue like this we want to make sure that we're constantly vigilant," said Walker.

Walker later released a statement which says:

"We must balance our continued efforts to support medical systems and contain and eradicate the virus in West Africa with taking necessary steps to protect American citizens from the virus spreading further within our country."

But it's a move Ben-Yitzhak doesn't quite agree with.

"I don't think it's a good idea. I think it's a much better way to control the people that are coming out of there other than just have ban they will come via Europe, Canada, or anywhere else -- and you won't know who they are.

Walker says while we hope for the best, we must be prepared for the worst and focus on prevention. The state does have a surveillance policy to monitor people who have reported travel to Ebola stricken countries.