Today’s order from Chief Judge LaVerdiere is available here. It removes restrictions on Kaci Hickox’s movements and essentially orders her to comply with the latest CDC guidelines that she was already following on a voluntary basis. According to this report the state troopers that had been posted outside her house have left. Two paragraphs at the end of the order are worth quoting in full.
First, we would not be here today unless Respondent generously, kindly and with compassion lent her skills to aid, comfort, and care for individuals stricken with a terrible disease. We need to remember as we go through this matter that we owe her and all professionals who give of themselves in this way a debt of gratitude.
Having said that, Respondent should understand that the court is fully aware of the misconceptions, misinformation, bad science and bad information being spread from shore to shore in our country with respect to Ebola. The court is fully aware that people are acting out of fear and that this fear is not entirely rational. However, whether that fear is rational or not, it is present and it is real. Respondent’s actions at this point, as a healthcare professional, need to demonstrate her full understanding of human nature and the real fear that exists.…
An interview with Ms Hickox suggested she was taking the judge’s advice, “I am sensitive… I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.” However, according to this recent report Governor LePage believes, “we don’t know what we don’t know about Ebola” and does not trust Ms. Hickox.
