On Friday, Byers said the state’s C O V I D situation was “worse than any time we’ve experienced in this pandemic.” That day, 5,048 cases were recorded, the highest since the dawn of the pandemic, according to the Clarion-Ledger of Jackson. To deal with an outbreak that is straining the state’s hospitals, Dr. Thomas D o b b s, executive director of the Mississippi State Department of Health, issued a drastic order.

“All persons residing in Mississippi must immediately home-isolate on first knowledge of infection with C O V I D-19,” the order said.“A negative test for C O V I D-19 is not required to end isolation at the end of 10 days, but you must be fever free for at least 24 hours with improvement of other symptoms. Mississippi K-12 schools are required to exclude all students and faculty diagnosed with C O V I D-19 from the school setting during the isolation period (as above).”

Violating the order is at least a misdemeanor carrying a fine of $500 or six months in jail, or both. The order noted that, “If a life- threatening disease is involved, failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of a health officer is a felony” that could be punished with a $5,000 fine or five years in prison, or both. Is there a human right here?