Hunt County Files Quarantine Lawsuit Against COVID-19 Patient Refusing to Quarantine

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The Hunt County Health Department has been diligently tracking individual COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. It has become clear that some people who have contracted COVID-19 are intentionally ignoring quarantine requirements, and returning to work or participating in other activities outside their home — even when they are fully aware that they can spread the virus.

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Over a month ago, Hunt County set aside $25,000 to meet the needs of affected individuals with legitimate needs so that they would not feel compelled to leave their homes until they recovered from the virus. The Commissioners Court recently increased that amount to $50,000, and those funds are being administered by Hunt County Shared Ministries.
Despite these efforts, some people who have contracted the virus have repeatedly and intentionally violated the quarantine rules, and left their homes — even after repeated and clear warnings that they were not allowed to leave their homes. This type of behavior is dangerous to the public health by any measure.

On July 1, 2020, Hunt County filed suit against one such individual. The County is seeking a judicial order requiring that the individual in question by confined to their home until they test negative for COVID-19. The pleading was filed as a sealed pleading due to HIPPA requirements that individuals with COVID-19 not be identified to the public. A hearing on the matter was set for this morning but it will not be open to the public due to HIPPA rules.

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