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State Quarantine and Public Health Laws
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Jurisdiction / Quarantine Law |
Who May |
Enforcement |
Penalty |
New Covid-19 Regulations and State Preparedness Plans |
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Alabama |
The Governor or State Board of Health may proclaim a state quarantine. Ala. Code § 22-12-4 A probate judge or presiding county commission officer, upon the recommendation of
the county board of health, with the approval of the state health board, may proclaim
a county quarantine. The mayor or chief executive officer may proclaim a quarantine for an incorporated city or town. Ala. Code § 22-12-12 |
The state, counties, and incorporated cities and towns enforce quarantine orders. Ala. Code § 22-12-1, Ala. Code § 22-12-13 A legal quarantine officer or guard may arrest, without warrant, any person who attempts to violate a quarantine order. Ala. Code § 22-12-26 |
Penalties for violating quarantine laws include conviction and fines of $50 - $500. Penalties apply to those violating quarantine orders, those who fail to provide required notice of notifiable diseases, and vessel masters who fail to perform a quarantine. Ala. Code §§ 22-12-9, 22-12-11, 22-12-18; Ala. Code § 22-11A-6 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Alaska |
The state Department of Health and Social Services may isolate and quarantine any person or groups of people so long as the quarantine is the least restrict alternative to prevent the spread of a contagious or possibly contagious disease. Alaska Stat. § 18.15.385(a) Unless the individual(s) consent, the health department must obtain a written order from the superior court authorizing quarantine. Alaska Stat. § 18.15.385(d) Pending a court order, a state medical officer may issue an emergency order to temporarily quarantine the individuals or groups of people. Alaska Stat. § 18.15.385(e) |
Orders for isolation and quarantine are enforceable by state peace officers. Alaska Stat. §§ 18.15.385(e), (h) |
Any person knowingly violating a quarantine order is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Alaska Stat. § 18.15.385(n) Any person who intentionally violates a quarantine order is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Alaska Stat. § 18.15.385(o) |
New regulations: Health Insurers/Preparations for Covid-19 Preparedness plan: |
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Arizona |
If the governor declares a state of emergency or state of war emergency due to an
occurrence or threat of epidemic or pandemic disease, the department of health must
begin an investigation and may order the isolation or quarantine of individuals or
groups of individuals, so long as the isolation or quarantine is the least restrictive
alternative to protect public health. The department must issue a written directive prior to isolating or quarantining individuals if the department is unable to obtain a written order from the court. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 36-789 |
State law enforcement officials and the national guard enforce isolation and quarantine orders issued by the governor and department of health. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 36-787 |
Any person who has a contagious disease and violates an isolation or quarantine order, or health official, who with criminal negligence, fails or refuses to perform a duty related to isolation and quarantine, is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 36-630 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Arkansas |
The State Board of Health has the authority to make rules regarding proper enforcement
of quarantine, isolation and control of infectious, contagious, and communicable diseases.
The Director of the state health department is authorized to impose quarantine upon commerce and rail travel, common carriers, and upon individuals if necessary to prevent introduction of communicable disease into the state. Ark. Rules and Regs. 007.05.02-001, Section X |
Any health officer may request law enforcement to detain an individual suspected of having an active or communicable form of tuberculosis and who is not willing to undergo treatment. Ark. Code Ann. § 20-15-703 No information is available regarding who may specifically enforce isolation or quarantines related to other diseases. |
Any firm, person, or corporation that violates the isolation or quarantine laws is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the firm, person, or corporation must pay a fine between $100-$500 or face one month in jail, or both. Ark. Code Ann. § 20-7-101 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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California |
The department of health is authorized to issue quarantine and isolations. Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 120140, 120145 |
Health officers must enforce orders, rules, and regulations related to quarantines and isolation ordered by the department of health. Cal. Health & Safety Code § 120195 |
Any person who violates a quarantine order is guilty of a misdemeanor. Cal. Health & Safety Code § 120275 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Colorado |
The state health department and county health agencies have the authority and duty to establish, maintain, and enforce isolation and quarantines. Col. Rev. Stat. § 25-1-506; Col. Rev. Stat. § 25-1.5-102 |
The state health department and county health agencies have the authority to enforce isolation and quarantines. Col. Rev. Stat. § 25-1-506; Col. Rev. Stat. § 25-1.5-102 |
It is a misdemeanor for any person, associate, corporation, or officer of such, to willfully violate, disobey, or disregard public health laws, notices, orders, standards, rules, or regulations. Upon conviction, such person, associate, corporation, or officer of such will be fined up to $1,000, jailed up to one year, or both. Such person, associate, corporation, or officer is also liable for expenses incurred by health authorities and may be subject to civil damages. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-1-114(4) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Connecticut |
The governor, in the event of a state-wide or regional public health emergency, may authorize the health commissioner to isolate or quarantine individuals or groups of people. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-131a(a) |
The health commissioner has the authority to order into quarantine or isolation individuals or groups of people that meet certain health criteria. The quarantine or isolation must be the least restrictive alternative to protect the public health. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-131b(a) The health commissioner may direct law enforcement officers to enforce quarantine orders. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-131c |
Any individual who violates a quarantine or isolation order, or otherwise obstructs those carrying out the orders during the course of a public health emergency, will be imprisoned for up to one year, fined up to $1,000, or both for each offense. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-131a(d) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Delaware |
The director of the Division of Public Health, or the director's designee, may order
the isolation or quarantine of individuals or groups of people exposed to certain
communicable diseases. The public safety authority may, during a state of emergency and pursuant to a written court order, isolate and quarantine individuals in the least restrictive manner to protect the public health. Del. Code tit. 20, § 3136 |
The director of the Division of Public Health and public safety authorities. Del. Code tit. 16, § 505, Del. Code tit. 20, § 3136 |
The public health and safety authorities may enforce quarantine laws and isolation through fines, penalties, issuance of orders, and other remedies. Del. Code tit. 20, § 3143 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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District of Columbia |
The mayor may, after issuing an emergency executive order, detain for medical reasons any person believed to have a communicable disease likely to cause death or seriously impair the health of the general population. D.C. Code § 7-2304(b)(14) |
The mayor establishes enforcement authority upon issuance of the emergency executive order. D.C. Code § 7-2304 |
Any person who violates an emergency executive order is subject to a fine up to $1,000 per violation. The DC Corporation Counsel may also bring an action against any person who violates an emergency executive order. D.C. Code § 7-2307 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Florida |
The State Health Officer is responsible for declaring |
The Department of Health has a duty to administer and enforce laws related to control of communicable diseases. Fla. Stat. §§ 381.0011, 381.0012 Orders of isolation and quarantine are immediately enforceable by law enforcement officers. Fla. Stat. § 381.00315 |
Violation of an isolation or quarantine order is a second-degree misdemeanor. Fla. Stat. § 381.00315 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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The Department of Community Health and county boards of health may require isolation and quarantine of individuals with communicable diseases who are likely to endanger the health of others. Ga. Code Ann. § 31-2A-4 |
The Department of Community Health and county health boards are authorized to enforce isolation and quarantines using all appropriate legal means. Ga. Code Ann. § 31-2A-4 |
Any person who violates provisions of the health code is guilty of a misdemeanor. Ga. Code Ann. § 31-5-8 |
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During a public health emergency, the public health authority may isolate or quarantine individuals or groups of people, establish and maintain places of isolation and quarantine, and set rules and make orders. 10 Guam Code Ann. § 19604(a) |
The public health authority may enforce isolation and quarantine, which must be by the least restrictive means necessary to prevent the spread of a contagious or possibly contagious disease, and may include confinement to private homes or other private and public premises. 10 Guam Code Ann. § 19604(b)(1) The public health authority may temporarily isolate or quarantine an individual or groups of people through a written directive if delay would significantly jeopardize the authority's ability to prevent or limit the spread of a contagious or possibly contagious disease. 10 Guam Code Ann. 19, § 19605 The public health authority may petition the Superior Court of Guam for an order authorizing the isolation or quarantine of an individual or groups of people. 10 Guam Code Ann. § 19605(b)(1) |
Failure to obey isolation and quarantine rules, orders, and provisions set by the public health authority during a public health emergency is a misdemeanor. 10 Guam Code Ann. § 19604(a), (c) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: | |
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The governor may require the quarantine or segregation of individuals during a declared state of emergency. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 127A-13 The Department of Health or any court of competent jurisdiction, may issue quarantine orders for any individual using the least restrictive means available. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 325-8(b) |
The department of health enforces quarantine orders. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 321-1(c) |
Violation of a quarantine order is a misdemeanor. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 325-8(c) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: | |
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The Director of the Department of Health and Welfare has the power to impose isolation and quarantine orders. Idaho Code Ann. § 56-1003(7)(a) |
The Director of the Department of Health and Welfare has the power to enforce isolation and quarantine orders. Idaho Code Ann. § 56-1003(7)(a) |
Violation of an isolation or quarantine order is a misdemeanor. Idaho Code Ann. § 56-1003(7)(c) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: | |
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Illinois |
The State Department of Public Health has supreme authority over quarantine and isolation and may declare quarantine when warranted. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 2305/2(a) |
The State Department of Public Health may enforce quarantine and isolation. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 2305/2(a) Local health boards, health authorities, police officers, sheriffs, state employees, and local employees must enforce state health department rules regarding quarantine and isolation. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 2305/2(4) The isolation or quarantine must be the least restrictive alternative available to protect the public. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 2305/2(c) |
Any person who refuses to comply with a quarantine, isolation, or closure order is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. 20 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 2305/2(k) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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The state department of health may establish quarantine. Ind. Code § 16-19-3-9 Public health authorities may petition circuit or superior courts for an isolation or quarantine order for individuals infected with or exposed to dangerous communicable diseases or outbreaks. Ind. Code § 16-41-9-1.5 |
State and local law enforcement agencies must cooperate with public health authorities to enforce isolation and quarantine orders. Ind. Code § 16-41-9-1.5(r) |
Any person who knowingly or intentionally violates an isolation or quarantine order commits a Class A misdemeanor. Ind. Code § 16-41-9-1.5(t) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: | |
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The state board of health has the power and duty to advise the department of public health regarding isolation and quarantines. Iowa Code § 136.3 The department of public health and local boards may impose isolation and quarantine restrictions. Iowa Code § 139A.4(4) |
The department of public health and local boards may enforce isolation and quarantine restrictions. Iowa Code § 139A.4(2) Isolation and quarantines should be imposed by the least restrictive means necessary to prevent or contain the spread of disease. Iowa Code § 139A.4(4) |
Violation of isolation or quarantine laws is a misdemeanor. Iowa Code § 139A.25(1) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: | |
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Kansas |
The state secretary of health and local health officers may issue orders of isolation or quarantine. Kan. Stat. § 65-129b(a)(1)(B) |
The state secretary of health and environment may quarantine any area where a county health board or local health officer neglects to properly isolate or quarantine an area. Kan. Stat. § 65-126 County health boards and local health officers may enforce quarantine orders within their districts. Kan. Stat. § 65-119(a) City mayors have the power to enforce quarantine orders within a five mile radius of the corporate city limits. Kan. Stat. § 14-307 The state secretary of health and local health officers may order sheriffs or other law enforcement officers to implement and enforce quarantine and isolation orders. Kan. Stat. § 65-129b(a)(2) |
Any person who violates quarantine or isolation laws or rules and regulations adopted by the secretary of health is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Kan. Stat. § 65-129 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Kentucky |
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services must establish and maintain isolation and
quarantine to prevent the introduction or spread of infectious or contagious diseases
within the state. |
The state Cabinet for Health and Family Services must take action and enforce all rules related to isolation and quarantine. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 214.020 County boards of health have the authority to enforce all laws regarding quarantine within their county. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 212.370 |
Any person who violates any local government or county board of health rule, will be fined $10-$100 per day of the violation. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 212.990(1) – (3) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Louisiana |
The state health officer has the power to order quarantine of any parish, municipality
or portion infected with disease. The state health officer also can order local health
officers to quarantine their jurisdictions against the infected areas. |
The state health officer, local health officers, and their authorized representatives may enforce quarantine orders. La. Rev. Stat. § 40:6 |
Any person who violates state law regarding isolation or quarantine will be fined $50-$100, imprisoned for up to two years, or both. La. Rev. Stat. § 40:6.B(1) Any person convicted of violating state laws regarding isolation or quarantine, may be confined to jail, any state-operated hospital, or to a state penitentiary hospital, at the court's discretion. La. Rev. Stat. § 40:6.B(2) In addition to criminal prosecution, the district attorney, if requested by the state health officer or health department secretary, petition the court to restrain any person by temporary or permanent injunction. La. Rev. Stat. § 40:6.C |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Maine |
In the event of an actual or threatened epidemic or public health threat, the Department of Health and Human Services may declare a health emergency and adopt emergency rules regarding isolation and placement of infected individuals for the purpose of care and treatment. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 802 |
All department agents, local health officers, sheriffs, state and local law enforcement officers and other department-designated officials are authorized to enforce isolation rules. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 804 In the event of an extreme public health emergency, the department may take a person into custody and order medical care without a court order in certain situations. Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 820 The department may also take a person into custody and order medical care pursuant to a court order. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 820 |
The department may order, in writing, anyone who violates isolation order to cease and desist. Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 804 The department may bring an action in District Court to obtain an injunction enforcing the cease and desist order against any person who refuses to obey or violates the cease and desist order, request a civil fine up to $500, or both. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 804 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Maryland |
The Secretary of Health may order an individual or group of people into isolation or quarantine if the Secretary determines it is reasonable and medically necessary to prevent or reduce the spread of disease. Md. Code, Health-Gen. § 18-905(a)(1)(ii) |
The Secretary of Health may order any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other law enforcement officer to assist in the execution or enforcement of isolation or quarantine order. Md. Code, Health-Gen. § 18-905(a)(3) |
Any person who violates an isolation or quarantine order is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction may be imprisoned up to one year, fined up to $3,000, or both. Md. Code, Health-Gen. § 18-907 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Massachusetts |
The board of health has the authority to provide a hospital or place of reception to any person infected with a dangerous disease or to provide a hospital or place of reception if a dangerous disease breaks out in a town. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 111, § 95 |
In certain circumstances, the board of health may enforce and cause any sick or infected person to be removed to a hospital or place of reception provided by the board, so long as the individual's health is not endangered by the move. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 111, §§ 95, 97 If the infected individual is required to remain home, if necessary, the board may remove other individuals in the neighborhood. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 111, § 95 The board of health may direct a magistrate to issue a warrant to a county sheriff, deputy sheriff, or police officer to remove any person infected with a dangerous disease and place in a hospital designated to receive infected individuals. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 111, § 96 |
Any physician, person who is in any hospital or place of reception designated by the board of health, or who attends, approaches, or is concerned with them violates these regulations, the individual will be fined $10-$100. Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 111, § 105 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Michigan |
The state department of health and local health departments may involuntarily detain and treat individuals with hazardous communicable diseases. Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.2453(2) Local health departments may, if necessary to protect the public health, issue emergency orders prohibiting people from gathering and establish other procedures to ensure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws. Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.2453(1) |
If a health department representative or local health officer files and affidavit with the circuit court, the court may order the department or health officer to temporarily detain an individual reasonably believed to be a carrier of a hazardous communicable disease or health threat to others. Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.5207(1) A physician or other person attending to a case of a communicable disease, must arrange for the appropriate barrier precautions and isolation, if necessary to prevent spread of the infection to others in the household, patients, or the community. Mich. Admin. Code R. 325.175(1) |
Any person who violates state health department and local health department laws under these code sections is guilty of a misdemeanor, unless a specific penalty is otherwise stated. Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.1299 |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Minnesota |
The state health commissioner may adopt rules to preserve public health, including disinfection and quarantine of people suffering from communicable diseases and the places where the individuals are located. Minn. Stat. § 144.12(7) |
The state health commissioner, or others acting under the commissioner's authority, may isolate or quarantine individuals or groups of people so long as the isolation or quarantine is the least restrictive means to prevent the spread of a communicable or potentially communicable disease. Minn. Stat. § 144.419 The health commissioner must obtain a written ex parte order from the district court where the infected individual or groups of people are located. Minn. Stat. § 144.4195 Any peace officer may apprehend, hold, transport, quarantine, or isolate a person subject to an isolation or quarantine order. Minn. Stat. § 144.4195 |
Any person who is isolated or quarantined by the health commissioner has a right to refuse treatment and testing. If the commissioner or individual acting on the commissioner's behalf directs the isolated or quarantined person to submit to treatment and the person refuses, the person may be subject to continued isolation and quarantine. Minn. Stat. § 144.419 Any peace officer may apprehend, hold, transport, quarantine, or isolate a person subject to a quarantine or isolation order. Minn. Stat. § 144.4195(1)(d) |
New regulations: Preparedness plan: |
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Mississippi |
The State Department of Health has the authority to establish, maintain, and enforce isolation and quarantine in furtherance of protecting the public health. Miss. Code § 41-23-5 |
The State Department of Health has the authority to establish, maintain, and enforce isolation and quarantine in furtherance of protecting the public health. Miss. Code § 41-23-5 Investigators employed by the State Health Officers to enforce isolation and quarantine orders have general arrest powers. All law enforcement officers are authorized and directed to assist the enforcement of State Health Officer isolation and quarantine orders. Miss. Code § 41-23-5 |
Any person who knowingly and willfully violates a county, district, or state health officer's order regarding life-threatening communicable diseases is guilty of a felony, and when convicted, will be punished by a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Miss. Code § 41-23-2 If any person violates the order of the State Health Officer, the State Department of Health is authorized and empowered to temporarily detain the individual for disease control purposes. Miss. Code § 41-23-5 |
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Missouri |
The department of health has the duty and responsibility to protect the health of the people in the state, including making orders and rules to prevent the spread of infectious, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 192.020 The board of aldermen may make regulations and pass ordinances for the prevention of the introduction of contagious diseases in the city, and may make quarantine laws and enforce the same within five miles of the city. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 79.380 The city council may make regulations and pass ordinances for the prevention of the introduction of contagious diseases into the city, and for the abatement of the same, and may make quarantine laws and enforce the same within five miles of the city. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.530 |
The department of health has the duty and responsibility to protect the health of the people in the state, including making and enforcing orders and rules to prevent the spread of infectious, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 192.020 |
Any person who violates isolation or quarantine orders or knowingly conceals a contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 192.320 |
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Montana |
The Department of Public Health and Human Services and local health boards, in collaboration with federal, state, and local health partners, are authorized to identify, assess, prevent, and mitigate conditions of public health importance through isolation and quarantine measures. Mont. Code § 50-1-204; Mont. Code § 50-2-116 |
The Department of Public Health and Human Services may adopt and enforce quarantine or isolation measures to prevent the spread of a communicable disease. Mont. Code § 50-1-204 In collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, local health officers are authorized to establish and maintain quarantine and isolation measures in order to carry out the purpose of the public health system. Mont. Code § 50-2-118 |
Any person who violates or does not comply with quarantine measures, upon conviction, will be fined $10-$100. Mont. Code § 50-1-204 |
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Nebraska |
The Department of Health and Human Services has supervision over all matters of quarantine and quarantine regulations. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-601 In a state health emergency, where local health boards refuse to act promptly or sufficiently, or in localities without a board of health, the department must adopt, proclaim, and enforce special communicable disease control rules and regulations as the situation requires. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-502 |
The mayor is the chief executive officer in the city and has the jurisdiction within three miles of the corporate city limits to enforce any health and quarantine ordinance or regulation. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 14-219 The local health department or independent county health boards are authorized to make and enforce regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious, infectious, and malignant diseases in the county and counties under their jurisdictions. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-501(1) The local sheriff shall be established as the quarantine officer. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-501 |
Any person who violates local health department or independent county health board rules or regulations aimed at preventing the introduction or spread of contagious, infectious, or malignant disease, is guilty of a Class V misdemeanor for each offense. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-506 |
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Nevada |
A public health authority may issue a written order requiring isolation, quarantine, or treatment of any person or group of people if the authority believes it is necessary to protect the public health. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 441A.160 |
A health authority may detain in a medical facility, residence, or other safe location under emergency isolation or quarantine, any person or group of people alleged to be infected with or exposed to a communicable disease. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 441A.550 |
A health authority that has reason to believe a person who has a communicable disease in an infectious state is engaging in conduct likely to expose others to the disease, must issue a written warning advising the person that the behavior is a violation of state law. Any person who continues in the behavior after receiving the warning from the health authority is guilty of a misdemeanor. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 441A.180 Any person who violates the orders of the public health authority regarding isolation or quarantine is guilty of a misdemeanor. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 441A.910 |
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New Hampshire |
The Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner must establish and maintain
isolation and quarantine to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. When imposing isolation or quarantine, the commissioner must do so by written order. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 141-C:12 |
If requested, health officers must assist the health commissioner with establishing and maintaining isolation and quarantine in their towns and enforce all rules adopted by the commissioner regarding isolation and quarantine. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 141-C:5 The isolation or quarantine must be by the least restrictive means necessary to protect citizens, and must be in the place the individual chooses unless the commissioner determines the place is impractical or inadequate to protect the public health. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 141-C:5 If an individual refuses to cooperate with an isolation or quarantine order, the commissioner may present a sworn complaint to any law enforcement office, who must take the individual into custody and transport the person to isolated or quarantined facility. N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 141-C:12, 13. |
Any natural person who violates, disobeys, refuses, omits or neglects to comply with isolation or quarantine orders is guilty of a misdemeanor. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 141-C:21 Any other person who violates, disobeys, refuses, omits or neglects to comply with isolation or quarantine orders is guilty of a felony. N.H. Rev. Stat. § 141-C:21 |
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New Jersey |
The state department of health and local health boards within their respective jurisdictions have the power to declare what diseases are communicable, when a communicable disease becomes epidemic, and maintain and enforce quarantine when necessary. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:4-2 |
The state department of health and local health boards within their respective jurisdictions have the power to maintain and enforce quarantine when necessary and remove any person infected with a communicable disease to a suitable place, so long as the removal is accomplished without undue risk to the person. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:4-2 |
Any person that violates an isolation or quarantine order must pay a penalty of five dollars for the first offense and five dollars to $50 for each subsequent offense, recoverable in a civil action by the state. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:4-94 |
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New Mexico |
During a public health emergency, the secretary of health may isolate or quarantine any person as necessary using the procedures outlined in the Public Health Emergency Response Act. N.M. Stat. § 12-10A-8 The department of health has the authority to establish, maintain, and enforce isolation and quarantine. N.M. Stat. § 24-1-3 |
During a declared public health emergency, the secretary of health must first obtain a written court order authorizing the isolation or quarantine of any person, unless it is clear that the delay in obtaining the order will cause immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage. N.M. Stat. § 12-10A-7 The secretary of health may declare by public order the isolation and quarantine of any person before obtaining a written court order if the secretary determines that a delay in isolating or quarantining the individual would jeopardize the secretary's ability to prevent or limit the spread of a threatening communicable disease. N.M. Stat. § 12-10A-9 The secretary of health, public safety, director, or authorized persons must utilize the least restrictive means necessary to isolate or quarantine a person during a health emergency. N.M. Stat. § 12-10A-8 |
A civil administrative penalty up to $5,000 may be imposed for each violation of the Public Health Emergency Response Act. N.M. Stat. § 12-10A-19 |
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New York |
Every local board of health and health officer must guard against the introduction of communicable diseases and may prevent all entering and communication with or use of infected premises, places and things. N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 2100 |
A health officer may investigate a physician's complaint that a person afflicted with a communicable disease is exposing others to danger of infection, and may file a complaint with a magistrate to commit the infected person to any hospital or institution established for the care of individuals suffering from such communicable disease. The magistrate may commit the person to such hospital if the magistrate finds the complaint is well founded. N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 2120 |
Any person who violates, disobeys or disregards any term or provision of the public health laws, or of any lawful notice, order or regulation related to such laws for which a civil penalty is not otherwise prescribed, will be fined up to $2,000 per violation by the state. N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 12(1) |
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North Carolina |
The state and local health director are empowered and authorized to institute quarantine
and isolation only when, and so long as, the public health is endangered, all other
reasonable means for correcting the issue have been exhausted, and no less restrictive
alternative is available. |
A local health director is the administrative head of the local health department and has the power to exercise quarantine and isolation authority. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-41 An authority health director has the power to exercise quarantine and isolation authority. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-45.5(c) The public health director has the power to exercise quarantine and isolation authority. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-45.5; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-145 |
Except as otherwise provided, a person who violates public health laws or the rules adopted by the Commission or a local board of health is guilty of a misdemeanor. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-25(a) A person convicted for violating quarantine and isolation laws under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-145 will be imprisoned up to two years. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-25(b) |
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North Dakota |
The state health officer or any local health officer may order any person or group of people into confinement by written directive if there are reasonable grounds to believe the individual or group is infected with a communicable disease or if the individual or group poses a substantial threat to the public health. The confinement must be necessary and the least restrictive alternative to protect the public health. N.D. Cent. Code § 23-07.6-02 If a local health board knows of a case of contagious or infectious disease, it must investigation and adopt quarantine and sanitary measures required to prevent the spread of the disease. N.D. Cent. Code § 23-07-06 |
State and local health officers may enforce isolation and quarantine orders. N.D. Cent. Code § 23-07.6-03 |
Failure to obey isolation and quarantine orders is a Class B misdemeanor. N.D. Cent. Code § 23-07.6-02 A person who violates any quarantine law or regulation, or who leaves a quarantine area without being discharged is guilty of an infraction. N.D. Cent. Code § 23-07-21 |
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The department of health has ultimate power related to quarantine and isolation matters, and may declare and enforce, when neither exists, and modify, relax, or abolish when either has been established. Ohio Rev. Code § 3701.13 |
Health boards of general and city health districts, health authorities and officials, state institution officers, sheriffs, constables, and other officers and state, county, city or township employees, must enforce quarantine and isolation orders. Ohio Rev. Code § 3701.56 |
No person shall violate any rule the health director or department of health adopts to prevent a threat to the public caused by a pandemic, epidemic, or bioterrorism threat. Ohio Rev. Code § 3701.352 |
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Oklahoma |
The State Board of Health has the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to prevent and control communicable disease, including quarantine measures, and regulation of public meetings and gatherings in epidemic situations. Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 1-502(a) |
Local health officers may impose quarantine on individuals suspected of exposure to, or infected with, a communicable disease of concern to the public. Health officers must provide notice to the individuals pursuant to the State Board of Health rules. Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 1-504 District courts are authorized to grant injunctive relief, including temporary injunctions and restraining orders, to compel compliance with quarantine and isolation orders issued by local health officers. Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 1-504 |
It is unlawful for any person quarantined by local health officers to violate the quarantine terms and conditions. Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 1-504 Any person, lawfully ordered by a health officer into quarantine, who leaves the quarantine without being discharged or who willfully violates any quarantine law or regulation, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1195 |
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Oregon |
The Public Health Director or local public health administrator may issue an emergency order placing a person or group of people in isolation or quarantine if the director or administrator has probable cause to believe detention is necessary to avoid a clear and immediate danger to others and the petition process is not practicable for safety reasons. Or. Rev. Stat. § 433.121 The Public Health Director or local public health administrator may petition the circuit court for an order authorizing the isolation or quarantine, or the continued isolation or quarantine, of a person or group of people detained under Or. Rev. Stat. § 433.121. Or. Rev. Stat. § 433.123 |
All state and local law enforcement authorities must cooperate with any officer authorized to impose and enforce isolation or quarantine. Or. Rev. Stat. § 433.156 |
An individual who fails to obey a court order regarding isolation or quarantine is subject to contempt proceedings under Or. Rev. Stat. § 33.015 through Or. Rev. Stat. § 33.155. Or. Rev. Stat. § 433.123 |
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Pennsylvania |
The Department of Health of the Commonwealth or local health authority is authorized to direct isolation of a person with a communicable disease or infection; quarantine or modify quarantine of the person's contacts, and direct any other disease control measure deemed appropriate when necessary to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the public.28 Pa. Code § 27.60(a) The local health authority must consult with, and receive approval from, the Department, before taking any disease control measure. 28 Pa. Code § 27.60(c) |
If the communicable disease is one the Department or Local Morbidity Reporting Office (LMRO) determines requires quarantine of the infected individual's contacts, the Department or LMRO will determine which contacts to quarantine, specify the quarantine location, and issue appropriate instructions. 28 Pa. Code § 27.65 The local health authority or LMRO may only quarantine contacts after consulting with, and receiving approval from, the Department. 28 Pa. Code § 27.65(1) |
Any person who violates the Disease Prevention and Control Act, will upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $25-$300, together with costs, for each offense, and if the person fails to pay the fine, will be imprisoned up to 30 days in the county jail. 28 Pa. Code § 27.8(a) |
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Puerto Rico |
The Secretary of Health may remove to a designated place any sick person with a quarantinable disease, or any other rapidly spreading, contagious or infectious disease. P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 24, § 351 |
The Secretary of Health may remove to a designated place any sick person with a quarantinable disease, or any other rapidly spreading, contagious or infectious disease. P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 24, § 351 |
None found. |
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Rhode Island |
The governor has the power to establish and proclaim quarantine, and if the governor deems it advisable to preserve public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, may by proclamation, place the entire state or a portion of the state under quarantine. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-8-18 If the state health director or authorized agent determines after an investigation that a person is suffering from, or appears to be suffering from, a communicable disease that is a threat to the public health, the director or agent may require or provide the person to be isolated or quarantined, or undergo any other less restrictive treatment, until the health threat is abated. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-8-4 |
The governor has the power to authorize and empower the state health director to take any action and enforce any rule or regulation deemed necessary to prevent the introduction and restrict the spread of infectious diseases in the state. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-8-18 Local health officers have the power to enforce all rules and regulations made by the state health director during a period of quarantine proclaimed by the governor. It is the duty of the city and town councils to require local health officers to enforce state health rules and regulations regarding such quarantine. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-8-21 |
Any person who violates confinement by the state health director or the director's agent will be punished by a fine up to $50 or by imprisonment up to 90 days, or both. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-8-7 Any person who knowingly violates rules or regulations made by the state health director or enforced by local health officers related to the quarantine proclamation made by the governor will, upon conviction, be fined up to $50 or imprisoned up to two years. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-8-21 |
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South Carolina |
During a public health emergency, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) may isolate or quarantine an individual or groups of people. The department may also establish and maintain places of isolation and quarantine, set rules, and make orders. S.C. Code § 44-4-530(A) During a public health emergency, DHEC may temporarily isolate or quarantine individuals or groups of people through an emergency order signed by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee if a delay in imposing the isolation or quarantine would significantly jeopardize the department's ability to prevent or limit transmission of a contagious or possibly contagious disease. S.C. Code § 44-4-540(B)(1) Otherwise, DHEC may petition the trial court in writing for an order authorizing isolation or quarantine of an individual or groups of people. S.C. Code § 44-4-540(C)(1) |
During a public health emergency, DHEC may isolate or quarantine any person who refuses a physical exam or test if such refusal results in uncertainty regarding whether the person has been exposed to or is infected with a contagious or possibly contagious disease or otherwise poses a public health danger. S.C. Code §§ 44-4-510(A)(1), (2) Isolation and quarantine must be by the least restrictive means necessary to prevent the spread of a contagious or possibly contagious disease, and may include, among other things, confinement to private homes or other private and public premises. S.C. Code § 44-4-530(B)(1) The public safety authority and other law enforcement officers may arrest, isolate, or quarantine any individual who violates an isolation or quarantine order after the order is given to the individual or after the individual is provided notice of the order. S.C. Code § 44-4-530(D)(4) |
Failure to comply with isolation and quarantine rules and orders is a felony and, upon conviction, the individual will be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to 30 days, or both. S.C. Code § 44-4-530(C) |
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South Dakota |
The Department of Health may adopt and enforce orders and rules necessary to preserve and protect the public health, including the disinfection and quarantine of people and places in the case of disease. S.D. Codified Laws § 34-1-17(5) |
The Department of Health may enforce orders and rules necessary to preserve and protect public health, including the disinfection and quarantine of people and places. S.D. Codified Laws § 34-1-17(5) |
Individuals who intentionally expose themselves to a person infected with a communicable disease in any public place are guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. This provision does not apply if the individuals remove the infected person out of necessity in a manner that is not dangerous to the public health. S.D. Codified Laws § 34-22-5 |
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Tennessee |
The state health commissioner has the power to declare quarantine when, in the commissioner's
judgment, The county health officer is empowered to order the quarantine of any person or place
if necessary to protect |
County health directors enforce the rules and regulations established by the commissioner and the county board of health. Tenn. Code § 68-2-603(a)(2) |
Any person who willfully disregards or evades quarantine, or violates rules or regulations created to prevent the spread of any epidemic disease, commits a Class B misdemeanor. Tenn. Code § 68-1-203 |
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Texas |
If a communicable disease outbreak occurs in the state, the state health commissioner or health authorities may impose quarantine of the area affected by the outbreak. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 81.085(a) If the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe individuals or property in an area are infected or contaminated with a communicable disease, the commissioner may impose an area quarantine for the time necessary to determine whether an outbreak of a communicable disease has occurred. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 81.085(a) The governing body of a Type A general-law municipality may adopt rules to prevent the introduction of a communicable disease, including quarantine, and enforce those rules in the municipality and in any area within a 10-mile radius. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 122.005(b)(2) |
Health authorities may not impose quarantines until they consult with the state health department. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 81.085(b) Peace officers, including sheriffs and constables, may use reasonable force to secure a quarantine area and, except as directed by the department or health authority, prevent an individual from entering or leaving a quarantine area. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 81.085(j) The governing body of a Type A general-law municipality may enforce within the municipality, and in any area within 10 miles of the municipality, rules to prevent the introduction of a communicable disease, including quarantine. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 122.005(b)(2) |
A person who knowingly fails or refuses to obey a rule, order, or instruction of the department or health authority during a quarantine commits a third degree felony. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 81.085(h) The governing body of a type-A general-law municipality may fine any person who fails or refuses to observe the rules and orders of the health authority. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 122.005(c) |
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The state health department or local health department with valid jurisdiction may issue a written or verbal order of restriction, including isolation and quarantine, over individuals or groups of people within the jurisdiction. 26-6b-3(1) |
The state or local health department's order of restriction must, in the opinion of the health official, be for the shortest reasonable time period necessary to protect public health, use the least intrusive method of restriction, be in writing unless a delay in imposing a written order would jeopardize the department's ability to prevent or limit the spread of a communicable disease, and contain a notice of an individual's rights. Utah Code § 26-6b-3(b) Law enforcement officers with jurisdiction in the area where an individuals is subject to an order of restriction must assist the department with enforcing the order. Utah Code § 26-6b-3.2(2)(b) |
Any person, association, corporation, or officer of such, who violates certain laws of the state or local health department, including orders of restriction, is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor for the first violation, and a Class A misdemeanor for any subsequent violation within two years. Utah Code § 26-23-6(1)(a) Any person, association, corporation, or officer of such, who violates any provision of the state health code or orders of the state or local health department, will be assessed a penalty up to $10,000 per violation, or in an administrative action under the Administrative Procedures Act or similar local or county procedures, a penalty up to $10,000 per violation. Utah Code § 26-23-6(2) |
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Vermont |
The health commissioner has the power to quarantine a person diagnosed or suspected of having a disease dangerous to the public health. 18 Vt. Stat. § 1004a |
Any physician who knows or suspects a patient is sick from or died because of a communicable disease dangerous to the public, must immediately quarantine the location and report to the health officer the place where the cases exists. If the physician is unable to make a specific diagnosis, the physician may temporarily quarantine the premises until a specific diagnosis can be made. 18 Vt. Stat. § 1004 |
If quarantined patient who has a communicable disease leaves a hospital or institution without the consent of authorities, the physician or other person in charge must immediately notify the commissioner that the individual left and is infected with the communicable disease. 18 Vt. Stat. § 1007 |
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Virginia |
The State Health Commissioner has the authority to require quarantine, isolation, immunization, decontamination, or treatment of any individual or group of individuals when the commissioner determines such measure to be necessary. Code of Virginia § 32.1-43 The Board of Health may proclaim regulations and orders to meet any emergency or to prevent a potential emergency caused by a disease dangerous to public health. Code of Virginia § 32.1-42 |
The State Health Commissioner holds broad powers to issue orders of quarantine or prepare orders of isolation for a communicable disease of public health threat. Code of Virginia § 32.1-48 Any law-enforcement officer, state or local health department employee, or any other person designated by a law enforcement officer or state or local health department employee, is empowered and authorized to deliver an order of quarantine. Code of Virginia § 32.1-48.09 |
Any person who does not comply with a validly issued order of quarantine or order of isolation is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and payment of civil penalties. Code of Virginia § 32.1-48.014(a) |
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Washington |
Local health officers, in their sole discretion, may issue an emergency detention order for purposes of isolation or quarantine. |
Local health officers may invoke the powers of police officers, sheriffs, constables, and all other officers and employees of any political subdivisions within the jurisdiction of the health department to their orders. Wash. Admin. Code § 246-100-040(2) |
Any person violating any quarantine provision is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine $25-$100, imprisonment in county jail up to 90 days, or both.Wash. Rev. Code § 70.05.120 |
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West Virginia |
The state director of health is empowered to establish and strictly maintain quarantine at places deemed proper when the state director of health or any county or municipal health officer deems that the public health and safety so demand. W. Va. Code §16-3-1 Any county health board may declare quarantine in their jurisdiction, or in any particular district or place, whenever in their judgment it is necessary to prevent the spread of any communicable or infectious disease. W. Va. Code § 16-3-2 |
The state director of health has the power to enforce quarantine regulations by detention and arrest, if necessary. W. Va. Code § 16-3-1 The county board of health has the power and authority to enforce a quarantine it declares until the state director ascertains its necessity. W. Va. Code § 16-3-2 |
A person who fails or refuses to comply with any order made by the county or municipal health board is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $25-$200. W. Va. Code § 16-3-2(4) |
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Wisconsin |
The department of health or local health officers may require isolation of a patient or individual, quarantine of the individual's contacts in the event of a public health emergency. Wis. Stat. § 252.06(1) |
Local health officers must immediately quarantine or isolate patients or their caretakers if the officer reasonably believes there is, or receives confirmation from a physician of the, existence of a communicable disease. Wis. Stat. § 252.06(3) Local health officers must employ as many people as necessary to execute isolation and quarantine orders and properly guard any quarantine location if restrictions are violated or intent to violate restrictions are manifest. Wis. Stat. § 252.06(5) Such guards will be sworn in as quarantine guards, will have police powers, and may use all means necessary to enforce state laws related to prevention and control of communicable diseases, or the rules of the department of local health officer. Wis. Stat. § 252.06(5) |
In the event of a governor-declared state of emergency, any non-authorized person who enters an isolation of quarantine location is subject to a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to nine months, or both. Wis. Stat. § 252.06(4)(b) |
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Wyoming |
The state health officer may direct the county health officer to declare an infected place to be in quarantine. Wyo. Stat. § 15-1-103 The state department of health is empowered and directed to make rules and regulations as necessary for the control, treatment, and quarantine of persons infected. Wyo. Stat. § 35-1-229(a) The governing bodies of all cities and towns may appoint a board of health with the power to establish quarantine ordinances. Wyo. Stat. § 15-1-103(a)(xxix)(A) The state health officer shall have power after inspection, to modify or abrogate any or all quarantine regulations established by the county health officer. Wyo. Stat. § 35-4-104 |
The department of health, through the state health officer, or under his direction and supervision to establish, maintain and enforce isolation and quarantine. Wyo. Stat. § 35-1-240 The county health officer shall place any restrictions as in his judgment or in the judgment of the state health officer that are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease from the infected locality. The state health officer shall enforce practical regulations.Wyo. Stat. § 15-1-103 |
A person violating rules and regulations related to communicable diseases is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine up to $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. Wyo. Stat. § 35-4-101 Escape or attempted escape from an established quarantine is punishable by a fine up to $500 or imprisonment for not more than one year. Wyo. Stat. § 15-1-105 |
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