Abstract: In times of health emergencies, such as the outbreak of a communicable disease, there are issues in law and ethics that are raised. This include, the need to maintain the dignity of those affected, ramping up measures to ensure the protection of health rights, and whether there is a justification for restricting movement given the risk of infection but taking cognisance of the economic implication. Policymakers and health professionals will be faced with the decision of how to maintain conduct so as not to undermine these rights, but also ensure safety.