If U.S. Citizens Pose a Risk to International Health, Can the Federal Government Prevent Them from Traveling Abroad?

Abstract

Abstract While states normally controlling public health emergencies, this article discusses the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regulations to determine whether the federal agency has the authority to stop ill U.S. citizens from traveling abroad in the event of a public health emergency. The article compares state, federal, and international laws. It also provides an in-depth history of federal quarantine and health recommendations and compares that prior history with the current COVID-19 pandemic.