Thread by @LawrenceGostin

Language re #covid law, ethics, policy is wooly/confusing. What is #SocialDistancing Mass #Quarantine #Lockdown? We can't possibly balance PH & HRs w/o knowing exactly the intervention. This thread explains what policies are ethical & lawful, & those that are troublesome.

I've worked in PH Law since #AIDS

amazon.com/Public-Health-…

Following is lawful/ethical w/ individualized risk assess based on sci:
❖ Isolation: positive #SARSCoV2 test
❖ Quarantine: known exposed
❖ Close venues posing sig risk of spread (schools, businesses, mass gatherings)

These actions stretch law/ethics, no clear precedent in modern con law:
❖Cordon sanitaire of large area (incorrectly termed "lockdown")
❖So-called "Mass Quarantine" of large venue (nursing home, cruise ship, apartment block)
❖Draconian enforcement: armed guards, intrusive surv

In @JAMA_current @ProfLWiley @jghodgej argue cordon sanitaire contrary to core values
jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/…
Yet, it's unfolding, in China, Italy, now US. Were we wrong? In dire crisis, are drastic actions warranted? Proportionate? Least Restrictive under Siracusa princs?

The q' most asked is not are extraordinary actions justified? But when will they end? When does life become normal? Truth is we don't know b/c epi curve varies in each country/city. And data now suggest that lifting physical distancing too soon could lead to #Covid_19 resurgence.

One day we will emerge from #Covid_19 #pandemic. What lesson will we learn? We have 2 clear options. We could choose sweeping compulsory measures/social control. Or we could choose the Rule of Law/Hrs/Justice. Our future depends on which one we choose.

We can emerge from #Covid_19 #Pandemic as a stronger nation/stronger world: United, Pulling Together, Renewing our ethical values of compassion, globalization, solidarity & the common good. We CAN balance PH w/ HRs if we embrace science, ethics & the rule of law.

Finally, here's the lesson we SHOULD learn from #Covid_19. The best (only) way to save lives & keep our core values is to invest in 3 Ps: Prevention, PH & Preparedness. #RightToHealth requires robust health systems everywhere. The next #pandemic will come. Will we be prepared?