Maine Judge Eases Ebola Isolation Orders on Nurse Hickox

[morningfog]

Nurse Kaci Hickox is free to leave her home in Northern Maine but must submit to active monitoring for Ebola symptoms by state health officials, a judge said, easing restrictions he placed on her yesterday.

Today’s order from Maine District Court Chief Judge Charles C. LaVerdiere removes prohibitions on her being in public places or within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of other people. The state hasn’t proved that further curbing Hickox’s movements is necessary to protect others from the dangers of infection, the judge said.

“The court is fully aware that people are acting out of fear and that this fear is not entirely rational,” the judge said. “However, whether that fear is rational or not, it is present and it is real. Respondent’s actions at this point, as a health care professional, need to demonstrate her full understanding of human nature and the real fear that exists. She should guide herself accordingly.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-31/nurse-hickox-ordered-to-follow-ebola-quarantine-rules-ap-says.html

As expected, she won this battle.

[riderinthestorm]

1. K&R and K&R and K&R..Science and Kaci Hickox win! nt

[malaise]

2. I prefer this headline -Maine judge rejects Ebola quarantine for nurse Kaci Hickox

FORT KENT, Maine --
A Maine judge has rejected a bid by state health officials to restrict the movement of nurse Kaci Hickox, who defied a quarantine for medical workers who have treated Ebola patients.

Judge Charles C. LaVerdiere ruled Friday that she should continue daily monitoring and coordinate travel with state officials so monitoring can continue. But, because she's not showing symptoms, the judge says she's not infectious.

The state went to court Thursday to impose restrictions until the 21-day incubation period for Ebola ends on Nov. 10.