New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Sunday that Washington officials "should seriously consider" a commercial travel ban on countries in West Africa that have been devastated by Ebola.

Speaking at an event at Hostos Community College in the Bronx, the Governor’s comment represents a departure from his previous statements, when he said banning flights would be ineffective.

"I’ll leave that to the experts, but I think it’s something they should seriously consider," Cuomo said.

President Obama has said a temporary travel ban for West Africa could drive people underground and hinder screening of potential Ebola carriers.