US Emergency Legal Responses to Novel Coronavirus: Balancing Public Health and Civil Liberties

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-13-2020

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.

Publication Citation

The Journal of the American Medical Association, published online February 13, 2020.

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