NBC under fire for doctor’s breach: public responds

By: The VNN Team  //  US News

by Carol Thompson

The Internet is filled with thousands of comments in regard to NBC News’ Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman’s breach of a 21-day voluntary isolation agreement after the news station’s freelance cameraman was diagnosed with Ebola.

TMZ reported Monday that Snyderman and two members of her crew, all under quarantine, made a food run to the Peasant Grill restaurant near Princeton University in New Jersey. Sources told TMZ New Jersey health officials investigated and concluded based on witness accounts that Snyderman was in the car while one of the crew members went in to pick up the food, reportedly soup. It is not known if Snyderman had breached the agreement previous to being caught.

Snyderman has released a statement in apology for her action. “We remain healthy and our temperatures are normal” she said, after acknowledging that members of her team did indeed violate the quarantine. “As a health professional I know that we have no symptoms and pose no risk to the public, but I am deeply sorry for the concerns this episode caused.”

The apology has done little to quell the public. Comments range from those wanting Snyderman to be fired to those firing angry remarks toward NBC.

Some of the comments posted under news websites and Facebook pages include:

“Sorry” doesn’t apply in this type of situation. She of all people should know how important it is to follow the rules. Setting bad examples and they call her the “top” doctor!” (K’Triesha Ashwell/Facebook)

“She should be fired. Period.” (Jane Shawcross/Fabecook)

“She’s a doctor, she knows better. Apology not accepted.” (Sheila O’Connor Booth/Facebook)

“The Today Show totally downplayed this. It was hardly mentioned.” (Charla Gallinger/Facebook)

“Breaking quarantine for a bowl of soup!” (Sherrie Hale/Facebook)

Many Americans have been on edge since Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian, came to the United States and fell ill with the lethal disease days later. He died Oct. 8. Since that time, a nurse caring for Duncan has been diagnosed with Ebola.

When cameraman Ashoka Mukpo was returned to the United States from Liberia to be treated at a Nebraska health facility,  Snyderman and the other crew members also returned.  It was announced that all would submit to voluntary isolation.

According to TMZ, Snyderman was sitting in her car outside the restaurant wearing dark sunglasses and her hair pulled back into a ponytail.

 

Image: Fortune Live Media