Hacker News Reader

I think the limits in the legislation are quite tight. Tighter than existing powers around mental health detentions. So I don't think there is really much room for abuse created with these powers.

I agree it's a not ideal to legislate like this during an emergency. But as the legislative haven't done their homework there don't seem to be many other options.

The law itself doesn't mention COVID-19 so it is general purpose at least.

View on HN

There's some real potential for abuse so I'd probably have to oppose this one, but I think when you're dealing with people willfully spreading a deadly disease, that's probably already actionable under current laws in most if not all states.

On face value, deliberately endangering others for no reason is a pretty clear sign that someone might qualify for court-ordered psychiatric evaluation and temporary institutionalization, especially since it's already a criminal offense to expose someone to infectious conditions like HIV without their knowledge.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com