US Citizen Feels Deceived by Compulsory Isolation Order Due to Hantavirus Outbreak
A US citizen named Angela Perryman was one of the 18 Americans flown back home after an outbreak of the deadly hantavirus on a cruise ship. She is currently in the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, where she was initially told the stay was voluntary.
Perryman planned to leave Nebraska and self-monitor in Florida for signs of the virus. However, she and another passenger were presented with a legal order on May 18, demanding they remain in quarantine until the end of the month. She feels angered and deceived, describing her situation as being "imprisoned."
Compulsory Quarantine Orders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have only publicly acknowledged two compulsory quarantine orders and have not named the individuals affected. This is the first time in about half a century that the federal government has issued such a mandatory order. It's also the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warn that the country may face similar situations with other outbreaks, such as the ongoing Ebola crisis primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Understanding the Threat
Perryman acknowledges the hantavirus as a serious threat, yet she questions why she can't monitor her temperature daily and watch for symptoms at home, like many other passengers who were on the ship and have since returned home. She mentions only briefly interacting with a passenger who fell ill and hasn't shown any symptoms herself. She is aware, however, that three passengers who were on the ship have passed away.
"I'm perfectly okay with home quarantine. I'm perfectly okay with public health officials monitoring me," she asserts. She recognizes the danger of the disease and assures she would never put others at risk.
Perryman, a nature enthusiast, yearns for the freedom to enjoy the outdoors, watch bees pollinate flowers, and observe lizards along her fence during this stressful period.
Legal Perspectives
Some independent legal experts believe the CDC order is legally sound. They argue that she was indeed exposed to a rare form of hantavirus, which presents a risk to others and warrants her separation from the public for a time.
Others, however, believe Perryman may have a valid argument. They believe that without concrete evidence of the threats posed by these individuals and their potential refusal to adhere to home isolation, a legal case could be made that this is a violation of due process and infringes on personal liberties.
Perryman is planning to challenge her confinement, stating, "If they can do this to me, they could do it to anybody."
A US citizen named Angela Perryman was one of the 18 Americans flown back home after an outbreak of the deadly hantavirus on a cruise ship. She is currently in the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, where she was initially told the stay was voluntary.
Perryman planned to leave Nebraska and self-monitor in Florida for signs of the virus. However, she and another passenger were presented with a legal order on May 18, demanding they remain in quarantine until the end of the month. She feels angered and deceived, describing her situation as being "imprisoned."
Compulsory Quarantine Orders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have only publicly acknowledged two compulsory quarantine orders and have not named the individuals affected. This is the first time in about half a century that the federal government has issued such a mandatory order. It's also the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warn that the country may face similar situations with other outbreaks, such as the ongoing Ebola crisis primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Understanding the Threat
Perryman acknowledges the hantavirus as a serious threat, yet she questions why she can't monitor her temperature daily and watch for symptoms at home, like many other passengers who were on the ship and have since returned home. She mentions only briefly interacting with a passenger who fell ill and hasn't shown any symptoms herself. She is aware, however, that three passengers who were on the ship have passed away.
"I'm perfectly okay with home quarantine. I'm perfectly okay with public health officials monitoring me," she asserts. She recognizes the danger of the disease and assures she would never put others at risk.
Perryman, a nature enthusiast, yearns for the freedom to enjoy the outdoors, watch bees pollinate flowers, and observe lizards along her fence during this stressful period.
Legal Perspectives
Some independent legal experts believe the CDC order is legally sound. They argue that she was indeed exposed to a rare form of hantavirus, which presents a risk to others and warrants her separation from the public for a time.
Others, however, believe Perryman may have a valid argument. They believe that without concrete evidence of the threats posed by these individuals and their potential refusal to adhere to home isolation, a legal case could be made that this is a violation of due process and infringes on personal liberties.
Perryman is planning to challenge her confinement, stating, "If they can do this to me, they could do it to anybody."