SPOKANE, Washington. – A Spokane County man with COVID-19 has been jailed for refusing to isolate himself.
According to a Spokane County statement, the man, who was not identified by name, was transferred to the Spokane County Jail after being placed on a Civil Health Detention issued by County Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz .
Lutz’s order said the man refused to cooperate with the voluntary isolation instructions and poses a direct threat to the community.
In a statement, the Spokane County Board of Commissioners and Director Mike Sparber said they were “distressed by this forced action.”
Lutz and Sparber tried to find more suitable housing for the man, including by offering correctional officers as guards at the hospital or by sending him to a more appropriate isolation center. According to the statement, these efforts were unsuccessful and it was determined that the man would be taken to prison and housed under prison medical care.
Lutz’s health order is in effect until July 11 at 8 am. If the need arises for a longer forced quarantine, Lutz will have to petition the courts and a court order must be sent to jail.
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