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Kentucky Is Putting Ankle Monitors On Coronavirus Patients Who Ignore Self-Quarantine Order

For those who find staying at home hard during this pandemic, especially people who are putting others at risk, the state of Kentucky has a solution.

A judge in Kentucky is ordering ankle monitors for residents who have been in contact with coronavirus patients, but refuse to self-isolate. 

It sounds like this all started with a Louisville resident, only identified as “D.L.” who was living with “someone who has tested positive for the illness and another person who is a presumptive case,” according to an affidavit from the county’s health department.

Having been exposed to the highly contagious disease, D.L. was ordered to stay at home last week, but family members told authorities that D.L. “leaves the house often,” according to CNN.

When D.L. didn’t respond to the health department’s messages, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge, Angela Bisig, ordered the Department of Corrections to fit D.L. with a global positioning device for the next 14 days. If D.L.. leaves the house again, he or she could be criminally charged.

D.L. was one of four Louisville residents ordered to wear an ankle monitor to contain the spread.  Another man was put under house arrest after he went out shopping despite having tested positive for the coronavirus, according to CNN affiliate WDRB.

Jefferson County courts have set up an on-call judge for these types of cases, according to WDRB.

Under Kentucky’s current guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus, only life-sustaining businesses can remain open.

Organizations that provide charitable and social services can also remain open in the state. These include food banks and places that provide food, shelter and social services to those who are economically disadvantaged, as well as people with disabilities. However, even these organizations must implement social distancing while carrying out their services.

Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, has recommended all schools remain closed through May 1st. As far as travel restrictions, out-of-staters who are visiting have to quarantine for 14 days, wherever they are coming from.

Roommates, what are your thoughts on Kentucky’s measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus? Let us know.

 

Christina Calloway