What were the measures taken to isolate infected individuals during the Black Death?

During the Black Death, various measures were taken to isolate infected individuals in an attempt to control the spread of the disease. These measures included:

1. Quarantine: Infected individuals were often placed in quarantine to prevent them from coming into contact with healthy individuals. Quarantine periods could last for weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the outbreak.

2. Isolation hospitals: Special hospitals or designated areas were set up to house and treat those infected with the plague. These hospitals were often located outside of populated areas to minimize the risk of transmission.

3. Cordon sanitaire: In some cases, entire towns or neighborhoods were placed under a cordon sanitaire, which involved isolating the entire area to prevent the movement of infected individuals. This was done by establishing physical barriers such as walls or fences.

4. Travel restrictions: Authorities imposed strict travel restrictions to limit the movement of infected individuals. Travelers from plague-infected areas were often subjected to quarantine or denied entry into unaffected regions.

5. Social distancing: People were encouraged to practice social distancing by avoiding close contact with others, especially those showing symptoms of the disease. This included avoiding crowded places and gatherings.

6. Burial regulations: Special burial regulations were implemented to handle the large number of deaths caused by the Black Death. Mass graves were often used, and bodies were buried quickly to prevent further spread of the disease.

7. Personal protective measures: Individuals were advised to take personal protective measures, such as wearing masks, gloves, and clothing that covered their bodies. These measures aimed to reduce the risk of direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of these measures varied depending on the region and the understanding of the disease at the time. Additionally, some measures were more strictly enforced than others, and compliance among the population varied.