Quarantine Laws: Virtual Discussion

During times of health emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, some states’ governors reserve the power to declare a quarantine, while in others it is the director of the health department. States differ even further regarding penalties and enforcement of quarantine laws, as well as determining which businesses are permitted to remain open.

In Ohio, the state’s constitution does not provide the governor emergency powers, but instead gives the state Department of Health supervision of all matters relating to the preservation of the life and health of Ohioans and ultimate authority in matters of quarantine and isolation. Making all current school closures, stay-at-home orders, and permitted business operations directives from the Health Director. But in the state up north, legislative authorization must be passed granting the governor emergency powers and the authority to issue orders and directives.

How have the differences in quarantine laws impacted citizens and businesses? How will these differences affect the economic recovery of a state?

Join AF Columbus for a virtual discussion with Rob Walgate, Vice President of The American Policy Roundtable, and Annie Patnaude, Michigan State Director for Americans for Prosperity, for a discussion of how these laws have played out across the country.