One in five Americans thought it was acceptable to threaten or harass public health officials over business closures due to the pandemic starting last summer, research in the JAMA Open Network shows.
Why it matters: The antagonism has spread beyond science disbelievers and people affected by the effects of COVID-19, to people with higher incomes, political independents, and those with more education.
Details: The Johns Hopkins survey found that the percentage of adults who believed that threatening public health officials was justified increased from 15% to 21% from November 2020 to summer 2021.
Dig deeper: While former President Trump has been blamed for stoking a divisive political climate and circumventing public health measures, researchers found that harassed sentiment and threats continued to rise after President Biden took office and amid of optimistic projections on vaccines and falling case rates.
The big picture: The attack on public health officials has exacerbated stress and anxiety among medical workers.
Our Thought Bubble: Restoring public trust in health officials will take a lot of engagement with many different groups.
The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Public Health and Civic Life Survey was conducted November 11-30, 2020, and July 26-August 26. 29, 2021 and included 1,086 adults.
