California Medical Association (CMA) President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D., released the following statement in response to unfair attacks on California's county and city health officers:

"California’s response to COVID-19 and our success in flattening the curve has been driven by the leadership of our local county health officers. The California Medical Association is deeply disturbed by the news that some local health officers, many of whom have been working tirelessly over the last three months, have been subject to unfair and uninformed attacks and have become political targets for those seeking to vent their frustrations about what must be done to protect the public at large.

Half a dozen county health leaders are leaving their positions in the coming weeks. All of them have served with distinction and in the interest of public health. We are deeply concerned that politics may be trumping public interest in some of these cases, and that the public’s health may be compromised as a result.

The COVID-19 crisis is not over. We must continue to have a coordinated state and local response that is rooted in science and civility. We must do all we can to support our local health officials who are providing the courage and leadership California needs to continue to navigate this health crisis.”