BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Dr. David Bishai served as Harford County’s Health Officer since January. He told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren he was abruptly fired after being summoned to the Maryland Department of Health headquarters for a meeting last Friday.

Former Harford County Health Officer Dr. David Bishai speaks about his sudden termination by the state department of health at the county council’s request. He believes it was politically motivated because he has advocated for vaccinations and mask wearing. @wjz pic.twitter.com/TOlDH5lxZJ

— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) October 27, 2021

“The Deputy Secretary of Health walks into the room and says, ‘You’re being terminated today effective immediately.’ I have to say, ‘Why have I been terminated? I wasn’t warned about this.’ And she says this is the request of the county council,” Dr. Bishai told Hellgren. “They put in a request to the Secretary of Health who agreed with their request. I asked what was the county council’s reason, and the only explanation the Deputy Secretary gave me was that the county council wants to move in a new direction.”

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The state department of health sent this statement to WJZ: “The Maryland Department of Health can confirm that Dr. Bishai is no longer the Harford County health officer. MDH does not comment on the specifics of personnel matters.”

Bishai believes his advocacy for masks in schools and for vaccinations made him a political target of some county council members.

“It wasn’t just the political voices they were hearing that interfered with my ability to do the work I’ve committed to. They stopped the work I’ve committed to,” Bishai said.

WJZ has covered vocal protests against mask mandates in the county.

On Facebook, the group We The People called Doctor Bishai’s ouster a victory. “Great job to everyone that stands up and fights for this county. We are one small victory in, with many to go. There is strength in numbers. Hold the line Patriots!” the group posted.

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Some have openly criticized Dr. Bishai at county council meetings for months. One person accused him and Dr. Anthony Fauci of “fear mongering.”

Bishai tells Hellgren he would consider taking his old job …….

Source: https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/10/27/covid-19-in-maryland-david-bishai-harford-county/