WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the United States can't be seen as shying away from battle against Ebola.

Obama did not directly criticize quarantine policies for returning health care workers implemented in New York and New Jersey. But he says the response to Ebola needs to be sensible and "based on science," while supporting health care workers going overseas to fight the disease.

Obama says health care workers who go to Africa should be "applauded, thanked and supported." He says a robust response in Africa will stop the spread of the disease in the United States.