Thankfully we aren’t getting reports of any newly infect Ebola victims today, but some of the legal ramifications and complications with the current crisis are making headlines. Maine health commissioner Mary Mayhew said late Wednesday afternoon that, even as it continues talks with Hickox’s representatives, the state is in the process of filing a court order to require the nurse to abide by a 21-day quarantine.
So far Hickox is refuting the justification behind these actions. “I am completely healthy and symptom-free,” she said Wednesday night from her front lawn. “I am frustrated by (the) intention … to file legal action against me.”
Hickox really isn’t concerned about whether or not officials think she should stay home. She even decided to go for a bike ride with her boyfriend today, and was not apologetic in the least.
In addition to Hickox being questioned about her own judgement in terms of contracting the virus, there were reports that Dr. Craig Spencer wasn’t truthful about his whereabouts before being submitted to Bellevue Hospital Center. But New York City’s health department has now denied those claims, stating that he “cooperated fully” with officials.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
During a time when quarantine and potential breaches of civil rights is a concern, it calls into question how officials are supposed to handle the spread of this virus without putting anyone else at risk while also not shunning those who are possibly affected.
Louisiana, for example, doesn’t want anyone who was possibly at risk of contracting the virus to enter the state. A letter was written to members of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene about the matter, which is holding its annual conference in New Orleans next week. If anyone has recently been to any of the West African countries where the virus has infected more than 13,000 people, they shouldn’t attend the meeting.
Once scary part about all of this is that increased stigma put on those who don’t even show symptoms of the virus potentially decreases the likelihood that volunteers will be willing to join the efforts, right when we need them the most. Those who are helping out should be praised not punished for even being willing to step in right now.
