Twenty months into the COVID-19 pandemic and calls are still being made for people to respect health care workers amid frustrations.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said members locally have experienced instances of harassments, just as those in other communities.
"I think that public health and health care has become viewed as sort of a target for people who don't think we should be doing the things that we're doing and are very vocal about that," he said.
Ranade said people are entitled to express their own opinion but hopes it's done in a respectful and civil manner, something he also encouraged protestors to do during a recent mobile vaccine clinic.
"Certainly in individual cases where anybody's safety is affected or threatened, we want to make sure that people are making use of all of the processes they have to let someone know that they feel unsafe," said Ranade.
Should it become a larger issue, where health care workers are being interfered with or are prevented from doing their jobs, other options may need to be considered locally.
"Some jurisdictions are putting in place safety bubbles around hospitals and other places like that so these are all options but I think the point is to see if there's a need," said Ranade. "I think the current situation, is we're exploring whether or not there's a need."
He said for the most part people have been fairly respectful and the question becomes, what is done for those who aren't.
The Ontario Medical Association issued a statement on November 5 to condemn the threatening and bullying of physicians and public health officials.
"Let's not lose sight of our responsibility to take care of each other. Ontario's doctors call on everyone to work together to keep our patients, families and communities safe," read the OMA statement.
The OMA and the Canadian Medical Association also issued calls to stop bullying workers in September following protests against COVID-19 vaccinations. During that time, flyers were placed on the vehicles of Bluewater Health staff. The flyers were removed by hospital security.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves
