President Barack Obama sought to tamp down Ebola panic Tuesday and spoke out strongly in favor of treating health care workers heading to Africa with respect.  

Obama said health care workers volunteering to go to Africa should be applauded and supported. “They are doing God’s work,” Obama said, and noted the importance of stopping the outbreak at its source. Obama seemed to be implicitly critiquing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., for quarantining a nurse in a tent, although he didn’t delve into specifics.  

Obama said he was confident Ebola would be contained and noted that progress is being reported in Liberia.  

“It will be defeated,” he said.  

Obama also said it’s important to remember only two people have contracted Ebola on U.S. soil and both are now Ebola-free.  

He dismissed the different protocols for the military, noting that health care workers, unlike soldiers, are volunteering to go to Africa.  

Roll Call Election Map: Race Ratings for Every Seat

Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.