The Act – Overview Quarantine Section 40 Quarantine orders
76.This section sets out the circumstances in which a sheriff may grant a quarantine order and what information that order must contain. The sheriff must be satisfied that the criteria for a quarantine order have been met. The order will authorise the person to be quarantined in the place specified in the order and the taking of such steps (if any) in section 46(2) which the sheriff considers appropriate. The sheriff may also impose such conditions in relation to the quarantine as is considered appropriate. Where the person is not in the place specified, a constable, an officer of the health board or local authority, or any other person authorised by the sheriff may remove the person to that place.
77.Subsection (5) lists the kinds of conditions which may be imposed by a quarantine order. These include: those who may have access to the place of quarantine and for what purposes; those who may have access to the quarantined person and for what purpose; and any conditions relating to the welfare of the quarantined person. The list is not intended to be exhaustive.
78.Subsection (6) sets out what must be specified in a quarantine order: the person to whom it applies; the place where the person is to be quarantined; the period for which the person is to be quarantined, up to a maximum of three weeks; the steps (if any) under section 46(2) which may be taken; and any conditions imposed on the person. The order must be notified to the person to whom it applies, any person to whom an explanation was given under section 31, and any other person whom the sheriff considers appropriate.
79.Health boards can apply to extend the duration of the order (section 49) and to vary the steps authorised or conditions imposed by the order (section 50).