Mayor Kristal Chopp and new Acting Medical Officer Of Health Matt Strauss has taken to social media, and to the Port Dover Maple Leaf, to comment on some controversy that has arisen due to the hiring.
Last week, news was shared that Strauss was going to be looking to take over as the Acting Medical Official of Health for Haldimand-Norfolk, but the following days the Ontario Liberals’ came out to slam the decision, pointing to Strauss’ position against lockdowns.
In her letter submitted to the Port Dover Maple Leaf, and published online on her social media platform, Mayor Chopp tried to debunk the conspiracy theory rumours stating that Dr. Strauss doesn’t wear a tin foil hat, attend QAnon meetings or espouse conspiracy theories.
She also went over his medical background, his strong belief in the vaccination effort, and pointing to the various lockdown rules across the world that she has seen as a pilot.
She added that questioning theories and assumptions doesn’t make someone part of the “anti-science fringe.”
Likewise, she said when the Board Of Health appointed Strauss, they were aware of his twitter activities as staff has done a thorough look into him.
For his part, Dr. Strauss sent an article to the Maple Leaf and shared his thoughts online.
He also reflected on his medical background saying how he also applied the highest quality scientific evidence to his care and brings that same skepticism to items such as a stay-at-home order.
He also spoke about how his life work has been to save lives, and suggestions that he is anti-science or is against life-saving measures is untrue.
As a freelance journalist, he said he would often to take to twitter to express his opinions, at times looking to eye-grabbing headlines.
He said these blunt statements will not be used going forward in his new medical role.
Mayor Chopp’s full comments can be found here.
Dr. Strauss’ full comments can be found here.