Public health officials fighting the coronavirus are facing criticism and threats surrounding their response to the pandemic, and in some cases are leaving their posts as a result.
Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press found at least 27 state and local health officials in 13 states have resigned, retired or been fired since April.
The Associated Press reported Ohio’s state health director resigned Thursday after protestors showed up at her house, and the health officer of Orange County, Calif., quit Monday after weeks of criticism and personal threats from residents and other public health officials.
Leaders in the public health field said officials are facing threats to property and funding and are exhausted from taking heat around health-related decisions during the pandemic.
