Officials from the Trump administration are requiring local health authorities to closely monitor 18 passengers for an additional three weeks. This measure surpasses standard protocols commonly used during previous virus outbreaks.
These individuals spent almost three weeks in federal quarantine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The cruise ship they were on became the focal point of a hantavirus outbreak earlier this month.
The passengers might be released on Monday if state governments agree to provide round-the-clock monitoring for another three weeks. This requirement could prevent certain passengers, including New York residents, from leaving Nebraska, according to their legal representative.
“Apparently the CDC wants some kind of local guard or person to watch over the individual to ensure that they don’t leave their home,” said Steven Hyman, the lawyer representing two passengers from New York.
Without this measure, his clients would have to remain in Nebraska for the full 42-day potential incubation period. As of yet, neither federal health officials nor New York State Health Department have commented on these release conditions.
It remains uncertain how many passengers will opt to leave on Monday, though at least one intends to head to Florida.
Upon being repatriated from the Canary Islands on May 11, these passengers have been kept under observation in federally funded facilities, although none appear to have contracted the disease.
In a recent call, CDC officials initially suggested posting law enforcement outside of passengers’ homes upon their departure. This plan was adjusted to involve 24/7 monitoring by health workers, following state-level concerns regarding cost and authorization.
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