Surprising powers could be granted if flu threat worsens

WASHINGTON - So far, the H1N1 or swine flu virus is not a killer on par with the Spanish flu of 1918, but if that changes, local leaders have the power to take steps that might surprise you.

"The powers that are given to governors and often to the chief executives of localities are truly extraordinary," says Michael Greenberger, founder and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security at the University of Maryland. "They virtually can constitute martial law."

He says in Maryland, if there's a public health emergency, the governor can order residents to receive vaccines, even if they don't want them.

"[The governor] can quarantine, he can isolate, he can seize medications, of course he would have to after the fact pay for them," Greenberger says. In addition, "[The governor] can martial the entire police power of the state to help him in the enforcement of these measures."

Greenberger spoke at the National Press Club this week during a discussion titled "Swine Flu: A Danger to Your Rights as Well as Your Health?"

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