Reply To: What is the issur in flying on shabbos

Is there a generic heter to be mechalel shabbos if done so pursuant to a lawful order of a government agency? While the purported intent of the travel ban was pikuach nefesh, its hard to make the case here that there was a real or imminent public health threat. As a practical matter, I agree that short of being detained or arrested, these individuals had no choice.