7. Health officer may order removal of patients to hospital

When a hospital or place for the reception of persons suffering from any infectious disease is provided within the district of a local authority, the health officer may, of his own motion or on a certificate signed by a medical practitioner, direct the removal to such hospital or place of any person suffering from an infectious disease, the treatment of which is provided for in such hospital or place, who is in his opinion or in the opinion of such medical practitioner without proper lodging or accommodation, or who is living under conditions which, in his opinion or in the opinion of such medical practitioner, are likely to cause the spread of the infectious disease to other persons.

Any such person removed to such hospital or place shall be detained therein until discharged by the medical or health officer in charge thereof.

Any place which in the opinion of the health officer is suitable and required for the purpose of isolating and treating persons who are suffering from, or are suspected to be suffering from, infectious disease, or are contacts, and of detaining such person until they have been certified free from such disease, may, with the written approval of the Minister, be entered upon and occupied, if untenanted, without notice, and, if tenanted after written notice has been posted in a conspicuous position in such place.

The owner or person entitled to the use of such place shall not be entitled to claim more than a reasonable sum as rent for the occupation of such place.

The health officer, immediately upon vacating such place, shall, at the cost of the local authority, thoroughly cleanse and disinfect and, if necessary, whitewash such place.