Sounds like NJ Gov. Christie is acting responsibly. Here's one more example of a dumbed down population, journalists and political class. Under the MA state constitution the Commissioner of Health can take a person into custody with no due process and isolate the person to protect the public health. That is what Christie is doing in NJ. Don't know what other state constitutions say but this is something that elected officials and voters should know. It is certainly an inconvenience. But it is more of an inconvenience if they spread deadly viruses.
[From article]
The restrictions imposed on health workers returning from Africa exposes a dilemma for authorities who are keen for American experts to help staunch the disease in Africa but mindful of public concerns at home.
[. . .]
The New Jersey department of health said Hickox would remain in isolation for the time being. Speaking on Friday, Christie said the state’s health department had determined a quarantine order should be issued; it was not clear on Saturday if it would be issued in New York, where Hickox was traveling to, or New Jersey, where she is in hospital. Hickox is not from the area, Christie said.
Civil liberties activists raised concerns about the constitutionality of the new rules, warning they could discourage health workers from volunteering to fight Ebola in Africa.
[. . .]
The restrictions imposed by New York, New Jersey and Illinois go beyond recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the agency managing the federal response to Ebola in the US. The CDC said in a statement that it “sets the baseline recommended standards, but state and local officials have the prerogative to tighten the regimen as they see fit”.
[. . .]
The new guidelines will require anyone who flies from Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea – regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms – to check in daily with state and local health officials. They will be required to report their temperatures and the any appearance of Ebola-like symptoms, such as severe headaches, fatigue and diarrhoea. They will also be required to consult with health officials if they need, or want, to travel.
If an affected individual fails to check in, the CDC said health officials would take immediate action to track the person down and ensure the proper monitoring is carried out. Concern has been raised over the feasibility of such proposed action.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/25/obama-facts-not-fear-public-response-ebola-usa
Ebola nurse 'made to feel like criminal' on return to US
• Kaci Hickox tests negative but stays in New Jersey isolation
• ACLU raises concerns over ‘abuse of police powers’
• WHO: Ebola cases pass 10,000 mark
• NY and NJ introduce tough new quarantine measures
Lauren Gambino in New York
follow @LGamGam Follow @GuardianUS theguardian.com
Saturday 25 October 2014 16.41 EDT
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