ACLU of Connecticut Comment on State of Connecticut Response to COVID-19

HARTFORD – In response to coronavirus/COVID-19, Connecticut’s government announced that the state will be placed in a state of public health emergency. The following is a reaction from David McGuire, ACLU of Connecticut executive director:

“It is essential that the State of Connecticut’s response to COVID-19 protect public health, safety, and civil liberties for all. The ACLU of Connecticut has sent a letter to Governor Lamont, administration officials, and the members of the legislature’s Public Health Emergency Committee reminding them of their responsibilities to uphold civil liberties, and providing recommendations for protecting vulnerable people, including those who are incarcerated. Any government response to COVID-19 should be grounded in science and public health and not be politicized. The ACLU of Connecticut will be watching closely to ensure the State of Connecticut’s response is scientifically justified and no more intrusive on civil liberties than absolutely necessary.”

For a copy of the letter sent by the ACLU of Connecticut to Governor Ned Lamont, Department of Public Health Commissioner Renée Coleman-Mitchell, Department of Corrections Commissioner Rollin Cook, and leadership of the legislature’s Public Health Emergency Committee: https://www.acluct.org/app/uploads/drupal/sites/default/files/2020-3-10_acluct_coronavirus_covid19.pdf