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 North Carolina, the legal response to the COVID-19 pandemic has involved a variety of measures. The state government, under the authority of the Governor and public health officials, issued executive orders that mandated quarantine measures, imposed travel restrictions, and set guidelines for businesses, including occupancy limits for bars and restaurants. Workplace policies, including work from home directives, were largely determined by individual employers, though some state guidance was provided. The movement of medical goods was regulated to ensure availability, and health care coverage was addressed through state and federal legislation, including temporary waivers and expansions of coverage.

Long-term legal issues arising from the pandemic include the adaptation of employment and workplace policies to accommodate ongoing public health concerns, such as remote work. The state has also been involved in the distribution and prioritization of vaccines and testing. North Carolina has not postponed national elections but did implement measures to facilitate voting during the pandemic, such as expanding absentee voting. Civil liability for COVID-19 exposure is a developing area of law, with businesses seeking immunity from lawsuits through state legislation. Criminal actions related to hoarding and price gouging were addressed through existing state laws and emergency declarations. Economic assistance to individuals and businesses was provided through federal stimulus packages and state initiatives, while measures to freeze foreclosures, evictions, and debt collection were implemented temporarily to alleviate financial stress on affected individuals.