The Obama administration is under pressure over the response at home to the ebola outbreak.
It follows the decision of some states to order the quarantining of health care workers returning from treating ebola patients in West Africa - a move which goes beyond official guidelines.
Public health officials are warning that the approach will backfire, by hindering the work of those fighting the virus at its source.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest says mandatory isolation for returning health care workers will not protect Americans from ebola.
IN: "When we're…
OUT: …and respect"
DUR: 17 seconds
The debate is being complicated by a Pentagon plan to isolate troops returning from countries at the centre of the ebola outbreak.
Speaking at a White House briefing, Josh Earnest drew a distinction between the treatment of civilians and members of the military.
IN: "It simply...
OUT: …are co-located"
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