In this news article, lawmakers discuss the need for transparent communication while complying with privacy laws.

Balancing informational needs with privacy expectations may be a tricky task during a crisis situation. Ultimately, safety and awareness must be emphasized with a delicate balance of maintaining confidentiality. Government officials argue that states should err on the side of transparency while complying with federal privacy standards. Many have agreed that this unprecedented public health crisis has demonstrated just how critical accurate and complete information is. They also noted that lawmakers may want to revisit restrictive laws that hinder the sharing of information.