Kaci Hickox, the nurse who had returned home from Ebola -hit West Africa was placed under quarantine. She was the first medical professional to be quarantined on returning to the U.S., after having come into contact with Ebola victims. Although she tested negative for Ebola two times, she was still kept in quarantine for several days. She was allowed transfer to Maine by a private carrier “not via mass transit or commercial aircraft”, only on Monday, according to the governor’s office. The statement added: “Health officials in Maine have been notified of her arrangements and will make a determination under their own laws on her treatment when she arrives”.
The nurse accused the governor of violationg her basic human rights and her attorney backed her up. Steven Hyman, her attorney, told the press: “There is a legal basis to challenge these laws […] whether she wants to do it remains to be seen”. Governor Christie stated earlier today: “I know she didn’t want to be there. No one ever wants to be in the hospital, I suspect, and so I understand that, but the fact is I have a much greater, bigger responsibility to the people and the public, and so I think when she has time to reflect she will understand that as well”. Kaci Hickox stated: „First of all, I don’t think he’s a doctor; secondly, he’s never laid eyes on me; and thirdly, I’ve been asymptomatic since I’ve been here”.
An administration official told press on Sunday that the White House informed all the governors of the states who ordered quarantine for people returning from Ebola infested countries, that it “has concerns with the unintended consequences of policies that are not grounded in science and the effect it may have on efforts to combat Ebola at its source in West Africa”. New York, New Jersey and Illinois state that any person who returns from West Africa, after having had direct contact with Ebola patients will have to remain under quarantine and constant monitoring for 21 days. The 21 days represent the maximum incubation period for Ebola. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn released a statement suggesting that this quarantine should be voluntary. The new policies in the attempt of containing the deadly Ebola virus have been announced on Friday. However, by Sunday night, after intense debates, the governors said that quarantines for Ebola should be carried out at home.