Eviction Moratoria as a Risk-Mitigation Measure During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a federal moratorium on residential evictions in early 2020 to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Public health officials at the CDC and other leading federal agencies hypothesized that those evicted are at a greater risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. Critical public health guidelines from the same agency, such as avoiding crowded areas, physical distancing, and regular, vigorous handwashing, were nearly impossible to adhere to for those living in shelters or temporary or overcrowded spaces. Continuing residential evictions through the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic would have drastically increased the number of people living in those unsafe situations.
