The Detroit Free Press reported last week that public health officials around Michigan have been threatened and harassed over local coronavirus pandemic policies on face masks.

In some communities, the elected county boards that oversee local public health agencies have threatened some officials’ jobs over their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We live in these communities that we serve,” Nick Derusha, president of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health and health officer for the Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft District Health Department, told the Free Press. “People know where we live. They know where we work. It’s frightening.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has left decisions on mask mandates up to local public health agencies and local school boards. Officials there have said they’re ill-equipped to handle the political blowback from the decisions they make.

In response to the news, Dr. Pino Colone, president of the Michigan State Medical Society, issued this statement. We second everything he says:

“I’m disheartened and upset to hear that a number of Michigan’s local public health officials have been the recipients of threats of violence over the issuing of COVID-related public heath orders. Violence and threats of violence are never acceptable. Furthermore, mask mandates, quarantine protocols and any other COVID-19-related public health measures being ordered by local officials are intended to protect the health and safety of all residents in their communities.

“Public health employees have worked tirelessly throughout this deadly pandemic, using the latest scientific-based evidence to keep county residents safe and healthy. Their good work should be applauded and celebrated. Physicians, clinicians and scientists are all working around the clock to safely develop, test and evaluate treatments and identify best practices in caring for those afflicted with COVID-19. However, until a cure or an effective treatment is found, the best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated if you are eligible and mask up.”

— Alpena News