State health officials met at Saint Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport Thursday to discuss how to protect people from contracting the Ebola virus.

Officials say they have come up with a checklist to help prepare hospital staff, especially those who work in emergency rooms. Connecticut's commissioner of health says staff must know how to use personal protective equipment and make sure isolation areas are established.

Doctors say they have been preparing for treating Ebola patients since July or August, with one doctor comparing it to preparing for a really bad flu season.

The state also plans to make sure health professionals at private doctors' offices or urgent care centers also have plans in place for Ebola patients. Officials also discussed possible funding for Connecticut to do more research on preventing Ebola.