NYC Health Workers Seek Shield from Public Backlash
New York City's Health Department is looking to hire outside help to shield its employees from harassment, following widespread criticism of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department aims to establish new safety protocols and train up to 75 staff members, including leaders, researchers, and data analysts who have faced online harassment, doxxing, and reputational attacks.
Training and Safety Measures
The training will focus on:
- Public meeting and fieldwork safety
- De-escalation techniques for tense situations
The department claims that public health workers have faced threats and intimidation since the pandemic, leading to burnout, poor mental health, and high turnover rates.
Criticism and Controversy
Critics question the necessity of the plan, suggesting the department may have brought some criticism upon itself. Diane Pagan, a former social worker who lost her job for not following the city's vaccine mandate, expressed surprise at the plan. She believes the department should apologize and compensate those harmed by its actions instead of spending money on protection.
Notable Incidents
One controversial incident involved former "COVID Czar" Jay Varma, who was caught on hidden camera discussing drug-fueled parties during the pandemic. At the same time, the agency was advising the public to wear masks and isolate. Varma also admitted that natural immunity is as effective as the vaccine, while publicly pushing for vaccinations.
Political Reactions
Mayor Eric Adams lifted the vaccine mandate for city employees in February 2023. Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola and Councilman Frank Morano criticized the department's plan, suggesting it should focus on apologizing for its mistakes and reinstating workers who lost their jobs due to the mandate.
Department's Response
The Health Department's nonprofit arm is overseeing the selection process for the outside consultant. The department declined to specify which officials and staffers will be trained or who has been harassed and why. Instead, they issued a statement emphasizing the importance of digital and physical security training to protect their staff from harassment.