Discussions about policy responses to the coronavirus are happening at a fast pace. As part of our ongoing coverage Documenting America’s Path to Recovery, Ballotpedia has published a series of articles capturing the regular themes in support of and opposition to these policy responses.

Here’s how it works. First, we identify a topic area, (such as mask requirements or testing). Next, we gather and curate articles and commentary from public officials, think tanks, journalists, scientists, economists, and others. Finally, we organize that commentary into broad, thematic summaries of the arguments put forth.

We’ve identified the following arguments as some of those in favor of lockdown/stay-at-home orders:

1. The orders are necessary,
2. The orders are better for the economy long-term,
3. The orders are legal, and
4. The orders are limited.

We’ve identified the following arguments as some of those against lockdown/stay-at-home orders:

1. The orders are unnecessary,
2. The orders are worse than the coronavirus pandemic itself,
3. The orders are illegal, and
4. The orders go too far.

To read more about these issues, click the links below.

Additional reading:

• Arguments in favor of lockdown/stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
• Arguments against lockdown/stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020