Health officials defend quarantine order after judge says in-home restriction exceeded authority

Lynnette Redington, Harvey County Health Department director, and Assistant Director Toby Harkins briefed commissioners on a quarantine issued Feb. 22 after Reno County reported a child exposed to varicella. The department said the order was issued at the direction of Local Health Officer Dr. Doyle Detweiler and that staff used established templates and contact-tracing information to identify the exposure.

A 9th District Court judge later ruled that requiring an in‑home quarantine exceeded the department’s authority, though the court agreed that varicella is contagious. Harkins said staff "followed the template for this situation but realize now that it was not valid and noted that they should have issued an order of exclusion instead." Redington said staff will review policies, processes and training related to infectious-disease response.

Public commentators urged different responses: Ann Roberts said her daughter was quarantined and noted the judge’s ruling; Norm Oeding urged elimination of the county sales tax on food; and other residents questioned the Health Department’s authority and training. Commissioner Becky Reimer said commissioners should increase oversight of the local board of health and consider an annual review of the Local Health Officer contract. Commissioner Don Schroeder said he prefers "erring on the side of public safety" while also supporting review of procedures.

The Health Department said it will conduct a policy and training review and that future steps could include clarifying written procedures, improving communications with impacted families, and pursuing additional legal/administrative oversight if needed. No formal personnel actions were taken at the meeting.