Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
The world has seen unprecedented action and activity as the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases continues to increase worldwide. It is apparent that the coronavirus spreads fairly easily between people when they are in close contact whether the person transmitting the disease has symptoms or not. There have been just over 1,600 cases of coronavirus nationwide, which have resulted in 41 deaths. The virus saw its first outbreak in Wuhan, China and has been spreading worldwide at an alarming pace. Italy, Spain and other countries are going into complete lockdowns to try to curb the spread of coronavirus. The state of Michigan has seen less than 50 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far, but this number is expected to increase. People with confirmed cases have been asked to self-quarantine (isolate) themselves from other people for at least 14 days to avoid transmitting the disease to other people.
What Happens If You Are Ordered To Quarantine?
If you test positive for corona virus COVID-19, the only sure-fire way to not spread the disease is to isolate yourself from others while dealing with the sickness. It is recommended that people quarantine for at least 14 days if they test positive for the virus or feel symptoms related to the virus. Common symptoms include a high fever, a dry cough, and a respiratory infection that have proven to be fatal to some people. Countries in Europe like Italy and Spain have forced quarantine on basically everyone in the country except for trips to the grocery store and pharmacy. Most shops, restaurants, bars etc. have been shuttered during this pandemic.
What If You Don’t Follow A Quarantine Order?
If you don’t follow a quarantine order or advice from a health official you face a misdemeanor charge, up to six months in jail, up to a $200 fine, and you can be committed to a facility to force your isolation until a court feels that you are safe to be around others again. In this time of stress and uncertainty, this is not a charge that would be expected to be taken lightly by police, prosecutors and judges alike. It is important to know that individual actions can have important outcomes in situations like this. Major cities across the United States like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have issued orders closing all dining in at restaurants and bars. These restrictions will only tend to increase until this outbreak gets under some semblance of control.
Some Tips To Stay Healthy
The Michigan State Emergency Operations Center has shared the following tips to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 and other diseases:
• If you cough or sneeze, always cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve
• Avoid touching your face if you have not washed your hands
• Avoid being close to others who may be sick
• Stay at home if you feel sick
• Wash your hands often
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don’t have soap and water available
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently used and touched
Some 2000+ testing centers are going to be available as drive ups in places like Walmart parking lots and Walgreens nationwide in an effort to get people tested to see if they do in fact have the coronavirus COVID-19.
Any Further Questions?
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime related to quarantine orders or are being investigated for one, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience in successfully defending criminal cases all over the state of Michigan. This experience extends not only to adult cases, but also to juvenile charges. We are not a general practice firm. We are a team of criminal defense attorneys; it’s all we do. We offer a FREE consultation to anyone with questions relating to a possible or existing criminal charge against them or a loved one. Feel free to contact us on our 24/7 defense line at 1-800-342-7896. You can also contact us online or come visit us at one of our three statewide locations. We can also come to you.