The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 dramatically altered the daily lives of millions of Americans. In addition to the many medical, economic, social, and public policy questions raised by the pandemic are a range of legal issues. These include both short-term legal questions related to the unfolding outbreak as well as longer-term legal issues that are expected to persist in the wake of the crisis.
Among the most immediate questions were those related to matters such as the scope of state and federal authorities concerning quarantine measures; state and national travel and entry restrictions; employment or workplace policies (work from home, etc.); restrictions on occupancy in bars, restaurants, and other businesses; the movement of medical goods; and health care coverage.
Ongoing legal issues may include:
• employment and workplace policies (work from home, etc.)
• development, delivery, and prioritization for vaccines, testing, and treatments
• postponing national elections
• civil liability for COVID-19 exposure
• criminal actions related to hoarding and price gouging
• providing economic assistance to individuals and businesses
• freezing foreclosures, evictions, and debt collection.
In Louisiana (LA), the legal landscape in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been shaped by both state statutes and federal law. The state government, under the authority of the governor, has issued various emergency orders to address immediate concerns such as quarantine measures, travel restrictions, and occupancy limits in businesses. These orders have been based on public health recommendations and have evolved as the situation changed. Workplace policies, including work from home directives, have largely been at the discretion of employers, though they must comply with state and federal labor laws. The development and distribution of vaccines have been guided by federal agencies like the CDC, with state-specific plans for prioritization and delivery. Legal questions regarding postponing elections have been addressed on a case-by-case basis, with some elections being delayed or adjusted to accommodate mail-in voting. Civil liability for COVID-19 exposure is a complex issue, and Louisiana has enacted legislation to provide some protections for businesses against such claims, provided they adhere to public health guidelines. Criminal actions for hoarding and price gouging have been enforced under both state and federal law. Economic assistance has been provided through federal stimulus packages, with state agencies facilitating the distribution of funds. Measures to freeze foreclosures, evictions, and debt collection have been implemented at various times, with specific conditions and timeframes. Attorneys in Louisiana continue to navigate these evolving legal issues as the long-term impacts of the pandemic become clearer.