A Kentucky man is under police guard for refusing to self-quarantine after he was diagnosed with COVID-19. The unidentified man tested positive at the University of Louisville hospital but checked himself out against the advice of his doctor.
The 53-year-old man told health officials he had no intention of avoiding contact with other people and went home. Now, police officers are stationed outside his house to keep him under quarantine.
"It's a step I hoped I'd never have to take, but we can't allow one person who we know has the virus to refuse to protect their neighbors," Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said. "We've got to make sure that people who have tested positive, that we know could be spreading the virus, and simply refuse to do the right thing, do the right thing."
There are at least 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky. With the number of cases is expected to grow, Beshear ordered all hospitals to stop performing elective procedures as all schools in the state announced they will be closed.
"We just have to do what it takes to lessen the spread of this coronavirus," Beshear said. "And I don't want to be the governor that waits two weeks too late to take some of those steps."
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.