One of the paramount responsibilities of any government is the protection of its citizens. The Preamble lists among the U.S. Constitution’s purposes “… to promote the general welfare.” Article XVII, Section 3 of the New York State Constitution reads:

The protection and promotion of the health of the inhabitants of the state are a matter of public concern and provision therefor shall be made by the state and by such of its subdivisions and in such manner as the legislature shall from time to time determine.

Protecting citizens and promoting the general welfare includes not only public safety in general but also responding promptly and effectively to threats to public health.