Kentucky Couple Put Under House Arrest For Refusing To Sign Self-Quarantine Papers

A couple in Kentucky was placed under house arrest for refusing to sign self-quarantine documents after one of them tested positive for coronavirus.

Elizabeth Linscott of Radcliff and her husband, Isaiah, found themselves confined to their homes in an apparent house arrest after the woman chose not to sign the form sent to her by the health department after she tested positive for COVID-19. They were also made to wear ankle bracelets – devices used to remotely monitor their movements.

Linscott told news station WAVE that she underwent COVID-19 testing recently as a precaution as she planned to visit her family in Michigan. The next day, the results showed she was positive for the virus. Along with the results, there was an email from the state's health department with an attached form for her to sign, the News-Enterprise reported.

It also asked her to check in daily and report her symptoms, as well as to self-isolate and inform health officials if she requires hospitalization. She, however, opted not to sign the documents because Linscott thought she might not have the time to contact health officials in case there is a health emergency. Linscott told WAVE that if she needs to go to the hospital, she will not wait for approval from the health department.

On Thursday, July 15, local authorities arrived at her home. Isaiah said he was surprised at seeing around eight people waiting outside when he opened the door.

"I'm like what the heck's going on? This guy’s in a suit with a mask, it’s the health department guy and he has three different papers for us. For me, her and my daughter," Isaiah said.

The officials then informed the couple they were under house arrest for two weeks. They were also asked to wear ankle monitors to allow law enforcement authorities to know if they traveled beyond 200 feet from the property, reports said.

"We did not rob a store or steal something. We didn't hit and run. We didn't do anything wrong," she said.

The Lincoln Trail District Health Department declined to comment, citing the family's privacy.