On Friday, a hazardous materials team was sent to decontaminate the apartment residence where Ebola patient, Thomas Eric Duncan, was staying in when he got sick. The family that was staying in the apartment, also the same ones that he reportedly came to the United States for to visit, was transferred to a private residence inside a gated community. Dallas health officials previously had trouble looking for a place to relocate the family to until a volunteer offered the place. Due to the virus scare, hotels, apartment buildings, and other providers have refused to provide the family with shelter. Sana Syed, spokeswoman for the city of Dallas said that, "No one wants this family."
The decontamination team went about the procedure meticulously, collecting towels, bed sheets, and even the mattress used by Duncan prior to his hospitalization. A suitcase containing his personal belongings was also collected. All the items were sealed into industrial barrels and will be placed in storage until they can be transported for permanent disposal. Neighbors from the area stood watch as the family vacated their home to be transported to the isolation unit. Witnesses say that they left with nothing more than the clothes that they were already wearing.
On Friday, officials from the Federal Transportation and Disease Control department issued an emergency permit in order to allow the decontamination team to take and dispose of all the potentially infected materials. The process was not only done in the apartment, but also at the Texas Heath Presbyterian Hospital where the patient is now receiving treatment.
The confinement order makes sure that the family will remain inside their temporary home. Armed guard are now posted around the property to enforce the order as public health officials continue their observation. Visitors are not allowed, and supplies are being delivered to their doorstep.