{"id":355717,"date":"2020-03-26T16:14:39","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T21:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/civilrights\/other-constitutional-rights\/can-you-be-legally-forced-to-self-quarantine-in-the-united-state.html"},"modified":"2024-07-25T09:40:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T14:40:00","slug":"can-you-be-legally-forced-to-self-quarantine-in-the-united-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/other-constitutional-rights\/can-you-be-legally-forced-to-self-quarantine-in-the-united-state.html","title":{"rendered":"Can the U.S. Government Force You to Self-Quarantine?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can the U.S. Government Force You to Self-Quarantine?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people became very familiar with self-quarantining. Whether traveling outside the U.S. or attending a family gathering, you may have had to self-quarantine.<\/p>\r\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> (CDC), people exposed to an infectious disease should isolate themselves until they are no longer contagious. The question is whether the government can force you to self-quarantine.<\/p>\r\n

At first glance, the federal government ordering you to self-quarantine<\/a> seems like a violation of your civil rights. But depending on the situation, the government may have the right to force citizens to quarantine.<\/p>\r\n

This article discusses when the government can exercise this right. It also explains self-quarantining and what can happen if you don’t comply.
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Illnesses and Diseases Subject to Quarantine Orders<\/h2>\r\n

Over the years, the U.S. government has identified various diseases warranting quarantine, including COVID-19.<\/p>\r\n

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the government can order a federal quarantine for the following diseases and illnesses<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n