Protocol for the Isolation and Quarantine of Communicable Disease

In today's uncertain times, the threat to public health posed by emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to confront such threat. The Protocol for the Isolation and Quarantine of Communicable Diseases of the Rockland County Department of Health addresses the importance of a collaborative efort of the local health department, local hospitals, law enforcement and the court system to mitigate or minimize havoc that an emerging infectious disease outbreak or an epidemic might have on public health. Afer the anthrax attack of 2001, the emergence of the avian flu in Southeast Asia, and the SARS epidemic, the need for a comprehensive operational plan to address these pressing issues cannot be understated. The Protocol sets forth guidelines, policies and procedures that will address these threats.

The main objective of the Protocol is to provide a medicolegal framework for the protection of public health and safety in the face of emerging threats of infectious diseases and bioterrorism agents with due regard to a citizen's right to due process.

A good working relationship between the stakeholders was clearly established when the Protocol was finalized and submitted for review and approval by the New York State department of Health. It was the frst of only four protocols out of 57 counties that submitted to be approved and uploaded to the NYSDOH website as a model protocol.