Public health officials have been warning us for months now about the dangers of the novel coronavirus, about how devastating it can be, how easy it is to spread, and, most importantly, how we can protect ourselves and everyone around us from it. In response, a grateful nation is . . . well, most of us are grateful, but a lot of people are so ungrateful that they are driving the very people who are trying to save us out of their jobs for doing so.
Some public health officials are resigning amid threats during the Covid-19 pandemic
There are more than 2.3 million reported Covid-19 cases throughout the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University data. There have been at least 120,393 virus-related deaths.Yet across the US, many people have taken issue with guidance from health officials — as the act of wearing a mask to protect others during a pandemic has become a political and cultural flashpoint.
“Public health department officials and staff have been physically threatened and politically scapegoated,” Theresa Spinner, NACCHO communications director, said in a statement.As a result, many have obtained personal security as protection.
That includes Dr. Fauci and the Georgia state commissioner of public health. Over 20 county and state health directors have resigned after getting threats.
Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, resigned recently in the wake of criticism of the state's coronavirus restrictions. Protesters had turned up at her home several times, CNN affiliate WSYX reported, and one state lawmaker called her a “dictator.”
Since March, the team at [Los Angeles] County Health has been attacked via email, public postings, and letters. At least one health official has a sheriff escort in the community because of threats, DeBurgh told CNN in an email.Orange County's Health Officer Dr. Nicole Quick resigned earlier this month amid threats to her personal safety.Chris Farnitano, the Contra Costa County health officer, has had protests outside his home that were broadcast live on Facebook, DeBurgh said.
“We recognize some of the names and tactics of the opponents of vaccine laws in the past,” DeBurgh said, “but we've never seen a reaction like this.”
It’s almost like a part of the United States would rather we all die rather than they should give up their fantasies.
