Can a person be placed in quarantine without their consent?

Yes, in some circumstances, a person can be placed in quarantine without their consent. This is typically done when there is a risk of the person spreading a contagious disease to others. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented mandatory quarantine measures for people who had been exposed to the virus or who were returning from travel to high-risk areas.

The authority to quarantine individuals without their consent usually comes from public health laws and regulations, which aim to protect the health and safety of the general population. In such cases, the decision to quarantine is typically made by public health officials based on their assessment of the risk of transmission of a disease.

It's important to note that the specific laws and regulations governing quarantine may vary from country to country, and there may be legal procedures or mechanisms in place for individuals to challenge or appeal a quarantine order if they believe it is not justified or if their rights are being violated.