Mississippians who test positive for the China virus and refuse to quarantine could face jail time and severe fines, according to the state’s top health officer.
Dr. Thomas Dobbs issued an “isolation order” that states, “All persons residing in Mississippi must immediately home-isolate on first knowledge of infection with COVID-19.”
Failure to do so could result in fines and jail time. Citizens who refuse to obey a health officer could face $500 fines and up to six months behind bars.
But the order also states that where a life-threatening disease is involved in a refusal to obey, violators could face a fine of up to $5,000 and possibly five years behind bars.
The Mississippi order says Covid-19 patients must remain at home or an appropriate “residential location” for at least 10 days without contacting others.
Mississippi State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs indicated sentences as long as 5 years could be in store for Covid-19 patients who fail to isolate. https://t.co/Nh5jt7dTHU
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 21, 2021