Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan has denounced actions led by dozens of protesters in Orange County who stood in front of the home of Orange County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau, announcing their disapproval of the health officer’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, May 18 and May 19, protestors stood in front of Chau’s home, protesting against the idea of vaccination passports in Orange County and threatening Chau.

Despite attempts by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to end the conspiracy discussions about the COVID-19 vaccine at board meeting by pausing the program within the Othena application in which vaccine passports were being developed, protestors continue to make their voices heard.

In a text message to Irvine Weekly, Khan said the actions of protesters crossed the line.

“It is disappointing to see our county health officers harassed at their homes. Protesting is everyone’s right but should be done on public or governmental property, not an individual’s residence. That’s crossing the line,” Khan wrote.

Chau is not the county’s first health officer to receive threats. Last year, former Orange County Health Officer, Dr. Nichole Quick resigned from her position in the beginning of the pandemic after receiving death threat due to the lockdown.

Khan also addressed the issue on Facebook, sharing a statement issued by Orange County First District Supervisor and Chairman Andrew Do, co-authored by Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee.

“On the evening of May 18 and 19, 2021, more than 50 demonstrators gathered outside Dr. Chau’s house each night until the late evening, chanting loudly derogatory comments, as well as making threats. This has caused great disturbance to Dr. Chau and his family, including stress-inducing confusion and fear to his elderly mother. This conduct is particularly intimidating to Dr. Chau and his family in light of the disturbing rise of anti-Asian hate crime in the recent months,” a portion of the statement read.

Third District Supervisor Don Wagner shared his thoughts regarding threats against the health officer, via Twitter, emphasizing that no one should have to endure threats to their safety for performing their public duty.

“[I] equally condemn those at Dr. Chau’s home; he’s performed his duties with care and compassion. There’s no place in civilized society for threats to the personal safety of public servants.”

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