FORT KENT, Maine - A dispute over whether a nurse from Fort Kent who has returned to Maine after treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone should be quarantined or allowed to self-monitor at home appears headed for court.
Kaci Hickox is now in Fort Kent and monitoring herself after being released from a forced quarantine in New Jersey. In an appearance today via Skype on ABC's "Good Morning America," Hickox said that she will go to court to fight any attempts to force her into quarantine.
Meanwhile, Maine Gov. Paul LePage says that's exactly what he is seeking legal authority to do.
"We hoped that the healthcare worker would voluntarily comply with these protocols, but this individual has stated publicly she will not abide by the protocols," LePage says, in a statement released this morning. "We are very concerned about her safety and health and that of the community. We are exploring all of our options for protecting the health and well-being of the healthcare worker, anyone who comes in contact with her, the Fort Kent community and all of Maine. While we certainly respect the rights of one individual, we must be vigilant in protecting 1.3 million Mainers, as well as anyone who visits our great state."
LePage says the Maine State Police will monitor Hickox's Fort Kent residence.
Hickox told ABC News that she is feeling "great" and is self-monitoring for any symptoms of the disease.
