US plan to quarantine Ebola-exposed Americans in Kenya faces court halt
6 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a Vox report, the Trump administration has been attempting to set up a quarantine facility in Kenya for American citizens exposed to Ebola, but a Kenyan high court has placed a temporary hold on the plan. The outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo last month and has since spread to Uganda, with no confirmed cases in Kenya. Hundreds of Kenyans have protested the plan, and two people have been shot and killed during the demonstrations. The court extended the suspension to at least June 23 and ordered the Kenyan government to provide details of its arrangement with the US. Public health experts have criticized the plan, noting that in previous outbreaks, Americans exposed to Ebola were allowed to return home for quarantine and care. The administration has stated it does not want any Ebola cases in the US during this outbreak.
What’s reported
The Trump administration is trying to set up a 50-bed quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base in central Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola.
The outbreak started in the Democratic Republic of Congo last month and spread to Uganda; no confirmed cases exist in Kenya.
Hundreds of Kenyans protested the plan; two people were shot and killed during the protests.
A Kenyan high court suspended the plan until at least June 23 and ordered the government to disclose financial agreements and protective measures.
In previous outbreaks, Americans exposed to Ebola were allowed to return to the US for quarantine and care.
The administration says it does not want any Ebola cases in the US during this outbreak.
Open questions
Whether the quarantine facility plan will move forward after the court suspension.
Why the administration chose Kenya specifically, beyond citing proximity and lack of outbreak in the region.
What medical rationale the administration has for not allowing Americans to return home, as public health experts say no such rationale has been provided.
Key figures
Sabrina Siddiqui, national politics reporter for the Wall Street Journal
Noel King, co-host of Today, Explained
Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the CDC
President Donald Trump
Sources: vox.com
