Given the central role that Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) have played during the pandemic, it is important that their powers be understood and reviewed. Until recently, most local MOHs flew under the radar, often only attracting attention when involved in policy debates.
Public health officials’ roles do not stop at vaccine programmes or restaurant inspections – they have the legal authority to impose policy choices even if these differ from elected officials.
During the pandemic, politicians reluctant to make difficult policy decisions have deferred to MOHs, but in so doing have emboldened them to exercise nearly unrestricted authority. With the powers given to MOHs now being used more regularly and broadly during the pandemic, it should be considered how their policy-making can be made more publicly accountable.
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