Local public health officials and COVID-19: Evidence from China

Understanding what contributes to the slowing down of COVID-19 in China is essential for other governments to better deal with the pandemic. Similar to their counterparts in the U.S. and the U.K., local public health authorities in China are responsible for monitoring infectious diseases and organizing the responses to public health emergencies. However they are not typically viewed as essential as China policymakers focus on economic growth. Only 38% of the heads of the public health departments of Chinese cities have a medical background. We find that cities with medical professionals as the head of public health departments had lower infection rates and death rates from COVID-19. The results were significant only at the start of the outbreak. Our results suggest to better combat a pandemic, local public health authorities should be led by competent people who have a medical background.