A 53-year-old man from Kentucky refused to quarantine inside his house after testing positive for COVID-19. Now, Nelson County deputies are forcing him into self-isolation by surrounding his home for the next 14 days, CNN reports.
The individual was made aware of his coronavirus diagnosis inside a local hospital, but checked himself out against medical advice. When he arrived home, Nelson County deputies stepped into action.
“It's a step I hoped that I'd never have to take," Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said. "But I can't allow one person who we know has this virus to refuse to protect their neighbors."
Nelson County Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa said that deputies will be stationed outside his home 24 hours a day for two weeks to prevent the spread of the virus, and the patient “was cooperating now.”
Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts defended the decision to take such drastic measures, especially if it meant ensuring the well-being of those in his community and beyond. "This is about us, not about 'I,'" Watts said. "So quarantine is a must. If we have to, we'll do it by force."
