The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Greater New York Hospital Association streamed a training session live Tuesday to instruct healthcare workers on how to detect Ebola and protect themselves from the disease.

Reminding healthcare workers they are on the frontline, the CDC took to cyberspace to educate, demonstrate and answer questions about Ebola.

"We're here today because one healthcare worker getting Ebola when caring for a patient is too many," said Dr. Arjun Srinivasan with the CDC.

New guidelines were addressed, including the one stating a trained observer must watch all healthcare workers put on and take off personal protective equipment, or PPEs.

Personal protective equipment was a major part of training. The meticulous process was demonstrated from start to finish.

"It's important to emphasize you need to spend the time that it takes, this is not something that you should rush, be deliberate, be slow, follow the steps carefully, take your time,” said Dr. Srinivasan.

Dr. Srinivasan says even though the disposable equipment is thrown away, cleaning it as its removed adds another measure of protection.

The CDC says all hospitals should be prepared for Ebola, but recommends certain hospitals be designated to treat confirmed Ebola patients. Bay News 9 is checking with the State to see what, if any hospitals in Florida would serve in that capacity.

The CDC says training will continue to make sure healthcare workers across the country are properly trained. The agency recommends hospitals conduct regular drills to make sure healthcare workers practice the procedures.

The State of Florida Joint Information Center says as of Tuesday afternoon, 65 Florida hospitals have completed Ebola readiness training.
Hospitals in the Bay area JIC says have completed the training are listed below:

  • Pinellas County: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, Northside Hospital, St. Petersburg General Hospital
  • Hillsborough County: South Bay Hospital, Tampa Community Hospital, Tampa General Hospital
  • Polk County: Lake Wales Medical Center
  • Pasco County: Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
  • Manatee County: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • Hernando County: Oak Hill Hospital
  • Citrus County: Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center