Work

Isolation and quarantine in South Africa during COVID-19: Draconian measures or proportional response?

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: In the midst of an unprecedented public health crisis, extraordinary containment measures must be implemented. These include both isolation and quarantine, either on a voluntary basis or enforced. In the transition from voluntary to mandatory isolation, conflicts arise at the intersection of ethics, human rights and the law. The Siracusa Principles adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1985 and enshrined in international human rights legislation and guidelines specify conditions under which civil liberties may be infringed. In order for isolation processes in South Africa to claim legitimacy, it is important that these principles as well as national laws and constitutional rights are embedded in state action.

Source: South African Medical Journal

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2020v110i6.14842

Authors: K Moodley, A E Obasa, L London

Institutions: Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town

Language: English

Topic: Legal, Health, Environmental and COVID-19 Challenges

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $311