Despite assisting with the treatment of Ebola patients in Sierra Leone, after returning to the U.S. nurse Kaci Hickox is now refusing to adhere to a quarantine mandated by Maine Governor Paul LePage, which would confine her to her home for 21 days, the necessary time needed to ensure that she has not been infected.
Hickox is claiming that the precaution is “not scientifically nor constitutionally just.”
Though to date she has not shown any symptoms, officials have implemented the quarantine in an effort to monitor for any potential signs of infection, however Hickox is fighting back and claims that she will not follow isolation orders. She was recently seen out riding her bike alongside her boyfriend with whom she is currently staying.
She may not have a choice however; as officials are taking a more stringent approach after the recent emergence of the Ebola virus in the U.S.
According to Maine’s Health and Human Services commissioner Mary Mayhew, “We are hopeful that the selfless health workers who are brave and caring enough to care for Ebola patients in a foreign country will be willing to take reasonable steps to protect the residents of their own country,” she added “However, we will pursue legal authority, if necessary, to ensure risks is minimized for all Mainers.”
This comes on the heels of New York physician Craig Spencer, who after returning from West Africa admitted that he had traveled throughout the city before testing positive for Ebola.