Printable View
Hmmm ... mine is going to have fun with me if they have anything similar. I wonder, is Namibia considered south Africa or west Africa? Maybe the fact that I was there 2 flipping years ago might make the point moot?Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
While I suppose it's possible for there to be asymptomatic human carriers of Ebola, it's probably not very likely.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big E3
I'd be far more concerned that the disease might get a foot hold in a non-human carrier species like dogs, cats, mice, etc.
If that happens, then it's possible we'd never be rid of it, because there would be a continuous reservoir of the disease out in the wild.
Carriers ala Typhoid Mary? I agree, probably not very likely, however what you're missing is that the people may have the disease and be asymptomatic when tested or allowed to travel then become symptomatic later. Given the severity of the outcome, I'm not so sure I'm willing to trust the CDC's claim that the disease is absolutely not transmissible until the victim is symptomatic and that translates to risk. Biological processes tend not to be binary in nature -- there's no magic switch from non-communicable to communicable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin
As we progress into cold-and-flu season, I think quarantine for high risk individuals is both justified and smart -- the fact there's probably a statistical correlation with opposition from the Obama Administration and the wisdom of the policy just adds weight toward quarantine policies IMO.
This is a hard one for me. On one side this person didn't break any laws and is an American citizen. If she didn't break any laws, the government is infringing on her freedom if they forcibly quarantine her.
On the other side, I believe it is the fedgov responsibility to protect our borders and that includes keeping infectious diseases out.
Non-citizens? I have no problem with the FedGov quarantining any that are potential carriers. They don't get the same rights as citizens.
Is this person stupid? Hell yeah. Selfish? Yup. Criminal? Nope, at least not yet. If this person turns out to be infected and infects others, then yes, that turns criminal. Should the Gov be able to lock her up because her stupidity MIGHT hurt others? I think my opinion is falling on the side of "no" on this one. A little too Minority Report for me... even though I fully agree that it's attitudes like this person's that will be responsible for any possible future outbreak on our soil.
IMO, the proper way to handle this is to shutdown commercial flights. Then we don't have to worry about infringing on the finer points of quarantine vs freedom. If American doctors want to fly to Africa to help...cool. They can charter flights but only after they sign a legal document agreeing to be quarantined on their return.
^This.Quote:
Originally Posted by hollohas
Reckless endangerment maybe?Quote:
Originally Posted by hollohas
Realistically, there is no way to stop somebody that is intent on getting into the US.
Perhaps. May be hard to argue that after the negative test though.Quote:
Originally Posted by mcantar18c
At our present border security level, agreed.Quote:
Originally Posted by mcantar18c
20 million illegal aliens agree!Quote:
Originally Posted by mcantar18c
I would assume these health workers are signing some sort of work agreement before going overseas. Seeing they are going to ebola central to work directly with ebola patients, I am surprised that some sort of quarantine requirement would be a part of the work agreement. In that case, they would have agreed to it before going. Has nothing to do with citizenship.
Now the disclaimer. I have no idea how new age, idealistic, whatever, the organization is that these people are signing up to assist. I thought it was Docs-without-borders, but I don't know much about them either. Maybe no agreement is executed as a part of the work?
I'm sure they do sign some sort of liability form with their employers, however their employer doesn't have any legal authority to forcibly quarantine them even if they do sign something.Quote:
Originally Posted by clodhopper
The employer could not allow them to come to work for 21 days. Or require them to get tests before returning to work. Etc. But an employer can not force someone to stay home or in a isolation ward at a hospital in quarantine.