Revised List of Quarantinable Communicable Diseases
Aug 6, 2014
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jul 31, 2014
Published on: Aug 6, 2014
Aug 6, 2014
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jul 31, 2014
Published on: Aug 6, 2014
Summary
Changes the definition of severe respiratory diseases that can be quarantined to include new illnesses that could cause a widespread outbreak.
What problem does this solve?
The previous list of diseases for which the government could enforce a quarantine was too specific and did not cover new, emerging respiratory threats. This order broadens the definition to include any severe respiratory syndrome that could become a pandemic, allowing for a faster response.
What does this order do?
Updates definition of quarantinable respiratory diseases
Replaces the old definition with a new one for 'Severe acute respiratory syndromes.' The new rule covers diseases with fever and breathing problems that can spread and might cause a pandemic or high death rates.
Excludes influenza from new definition
Specifies that the new, broader definition of severe acute respiratory syndromes does not apply to the common flu.
Who does this affect?
- General Public
- Travelers
- Public Health Officials
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens public health response
Allows the government to act quickly to quarantine people for new and dangerous respiratory diseases. This helps prevent a small outbreak from turning into a large pandemic.
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Expands government quarantine power
Broadens the definition of quarantinable diseases, giving federal authorities more power to restrict individual liberty during a public health emergency. Some may see this as a potential overreach of government authority.
When does this start?
This order became effective on July 31, 2014.