Kaci Hickox speaks after judge rejects state's quarantine request
Judge says state hasn't yet met burden to enforce quarantine
Kaci Hickox spoke to the media Friday afternoon after a judge's ruling that the state had not met its burden to enforce a quarantine of the nurse.
Hickox said she was pleased with the judge's decision. The state had filed a petition asking the court to let it enforce a quarantine of the nurse who returned from treating Ebola patients in West Africa last week.
Video: Kaci Hickox addresses the media
"I know Ebola is a scary disease. I have seen it face-to-face. I know that we are no where near winning this battle, said Hickox.
The judge did place limited restrictions on Hickox until a hearing can be held on a petition filed by the state.
The order forces Hickox to participate in direct active monitoring, coordinate her travel with public health officials and notify public health officials and follow their instructions if she develops symptoms.
The judge said, "The state has not met its burden at this time to prove by clear and convincing that limiting (Hickox's) movements to the degree requested is 'necessary to protect other individuals from the dangers of infection.'"
Hickox also waived her right to confidentiality, so any further court proceedings will be open to the public.
"I am a nurse and a public health worker, and I don't want to make people uncomfortable," said Hickox.
She thanked people for their support.
Hickox said she was taking the situation minute-by-minute, and had no comment about Gov. Paul LePage and his administration's efforts to enforce the quarantine.
LePage, however, said he can't trust Hickox.
"She's violated every promise she's made so far, so I can't trust her. I don't trust her and I don't trust that we know enough about this disease to be so callous," said LePage.
Click to read the judge's order
As of 1 p.m. Friday, Maine State Police were no longer guarding Hickox's home.
Friday's ruling by the judge overrides a temporary court order that was issued on Thursday.
The governor said he would honor the judge's ruling.
"We don't know what we don't know about Ebola and I'm concerned but he ruled and, as the governor, I took an oath to honor the rulings of the court and the laws and I'm going to do that," said LePage.
Photos: All eyes on home of Kaci Hickox
LePage said his chief legal counsel and the Attorney General negotiated with Hickox for hours, but could not reach a deal on how she should meet the state's quarantine guidelines.
Hickox had conteded there's no need for quarantine because she's showing no symptoms.
State officials were going to court in an effort to detain Hickox for the remainder of the 21-day incubation period for Ebola that ends on Nov. 10.
Maine's protocols for health care workers go beyond what's recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC guidelines call for monitoring workers who've come into contact with Ebola patients; the state recommends a voluntary quarantine.