Public health officials, facing threats and political pushback, are leaving their posts nationwide

Jun 23, 20200

Tony Dejak – Associated Press count

In this Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 photo Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton holds up a mask as she gives an update on the state's preparedness and education efforts to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, in Cleveland.

For Lauri Jones, the trouble began in early May. The director of a small public health department in western Washington State was working with a family under quarantine because of coronavirus exposure. When she heard one family member had been out in the community, Jones decided to check in.

The routine phone call launched a nightmare.

"Someone posted on social media that we had violated their civil liberties [and] named me by name," Jones recalled. "They said, 'Let's post her address ... Let's start shooting.' "

https://www.startribune.com/public-health-officials-facing-threats-and-political-pushback-are-leaving-their-posts-nationwide/571430012/