Franken: MN needs 'center of excellence' to handle possible Ebola cases

DFL Sen. Al Franken said he'd like to see Minnesota's health care system create a so-called "center of excellence" to handle any possible Ebola cases in the state.

During an interview on The Daily Circuit, Franken said it would be a "hospital within a hospital" to ensure people who are suspected of having Ebola are isolated.

"I think that's one of the things that we learned here is to take these people to those centers for excellence and establish them here in Minnesota," he said.

So far, there has been no actual movement in Minnesota to establish a center to deal with a possible Ebola case.

Franken also said he's not certain shutting down direct flights from western African countries to the U.S. is the best solution for containing the virus.

In principle, he said he doesn't have a problem with shutting down commercial flights from affected parts of Africa, but he's concerned some people would find other ways of getting into the United States.

"I guess the one question is, is this a better policy?" he said. "What are the downsides of it? Do people wanting to get out of it travel to third countries and then come through?"

Franken is facing Sunfish Lake business executive Mike McFadden in his bid for re-election this year. He's seeking a second term.

McFadden joined Tom Weber in the MPR studios last month.

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