Quarantine or jail time: MSDH issuing quarantine orders to those supsected of being infected

The Mississippi Department of Health is issuing quarantine orders to those identified as a household or close contact to a known/suspected case of COVID19, according to a copy of the orders that we have seen signed by Dr. Paul Byers, the state health officer.

The orders read that “Based upon the risk to the public’s health in the event of exposure you will have restrictions imposed on your activities and movement in the community.”

The order goes on to state the importance of the restrictions, with some orders as follows:

The exposed is ordered to immediately self quarantine at home and self monitor for symptoms. They require you to check your temperature twice daily.

If at any point the exposed has a fever over 100.4 or feels like they have symptoms, they are to contact their health care provider.

Healthcare workers with exposure may be allowed to continue at work based on the need of their facility, according to the orders.

Violating the order is punishable by 6 months in jail and is considered at a minimum a misdemeanor, although it could be considered a felony.

You can see the complete orders below: