United States Emergency Legal Responses to Novel Coronavirus: Balancing Public Health and Civil Liberties
JAMA. 2020; 323(12): 1-2 (online February 13), available at ttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2761556
Posted: 18 Feb 2020
Date Written: February 13, 2020
Abstract
With rising cases of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) globally and in the United States, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar declared a national public health emergency on January 31st. HHS’ emergency declaration authorizes additional resources, enhanced federal powers, interjurisdictional coordination, and waivers of specific regulations. State and local declarations are also likely. During crises, government has a special responsibility to thoughtfully balance public health protections and civil liberties.
Keywords: coronavirus, preparedness, COVID, law, policy, legal, quarantine, isolation, social distancing, policy, United States, emergency, public health, infectious, travel
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