As the United States responds to the domestic spread of the new coronavirus, the American Civil Liberties Union called on federal, state and local governments earlier this week to prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities, particularly as those people are asked to follow voluntary public health measures.

Health care workers, incarcerated people, people living with chronic health conditions, elderly people and similar vulnerable populations may lack the capacity or resources to follow the advice of public health officials. Access to health care – including the cost of seeking treatment – may keep people from receiving testing or treatment for COVID-19.

Additionally, the ACLU called on officials to commit to keeping immigration enforcement officers away from health care facilities, making them “immigration enforcement-free zones” so immigration status doesn’t become a barrier to seeking health care.

“As the coronavirus spreads in our communities, governments must mount a fair and effective response that maintains public trust, is grounded in science, and leaves no individual – particularly the vulnerable – behind,” said Dr. Gregg Gonsalves, a Yale School of Public Health epidemiologist. “This will not only better protect the health and security of each of us, but also the economy.”

More than 450 public health, human rights and legal experts sent an open letter to Vice President Mike Pence and other government officials that details a series of recommendations for new legislation, policies, leadership and spending. They stress the importance of fair management of health care demands and an evidence-based response to the virus.

“Any response should be grounded in science and public health, and not be politicized,” said Jay Stanley, senior policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union. “It is essential that all government officials follow these recommendations to help ensure a response plan that protects the health, safety, and civil liberties of all.”

Quarantine can be disruptive to individuals with limited economic means, which includes gig workers, part-time employees and other workers who rely on regular paychecks and who fear the loss of employment if they stay home.

The letter also calls for plans to be ensure access to care for those in custodial care of government, schools and other institutions.

“This is a test of our society’s basic principles of fairness,” said Scott Burris, the director of Temple Law School’s Center for Public Health Law Research. “It will be a disgrace if social status and income determine whether a person can get care or follow public health guidelines.”