RFK Jr. has ordered a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise to remain in quarantine against her will. Angela Perryman, who was exposed to the Hantavirus, said she feels like a prisoner. The Health and Human Services Secretary ordered the extension of the quarantine despite clearance from the CDC.
RFK Jr. orders hantavirus patient to remain in quarantine
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ordered Angela Perryman, an American passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was exposed to Hantavirus, to remain in federal quarantine. Perryman is among the 18 passengers from the ship who were sent to the National Quarantine Unit at Nebraska Medical Center in early May for quarantine.
Federal medical review has since announced that Perryman no longer needs to remain in quarantine. Despite the clearance, Kennedy has signed an order stating that the federal quarantine remains in effect for Perryman.
In an interview, Perryman expressed frustration over not being able to return home. “I want to be able to walk outside and put my feet in the grass,” she said. The MV Hondius passenger added, “I want to be able to feel fresh air on my face when I want to. I want to be able to see people that are not in full PPE. I don’t want to be dehumanized anymore.”
Speaking with CNN, Perryman said she feels like she is “in prison.” She also accused the health system of using her as “a prop and a political stunt.”
Dr. Michael Bell from the CDC stated, “The testimony at the medical hearing persuaded me that measures CDC is imposing on Ms. Perryman are not the least restrictive available and that CDC should allow Ms. Perryman to complete her monitoring period at home subject to alternative restrictions.”
However, Kennedy opposed the report, signing the order for the quarantine extension for Perryman. “Having considered the medical reviewer’s findings and recommendation and the evidence in the administrative record, I find that the requirements for Federal quarantine continue to be met,” the HHS Secretary said. He added that the “continuation of the order is necessary to protect public health.”
