California's response to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic was once praised around the world.
Now, Science Magazine reports the same officials who were once hailed as enlightened are now receiving criticism.
Some of the sharpest is coming from scientists seeking to help guide the state’s fight against the virus.
Since April, epidemiologists from Stanford University and multiple California campuses have sought data from state and county health authorities.
But the agencies have refused requests filed from April through late June, citing multiple reasons including heavy workloads and privacy concerns.
Epidemiologists are especially aggrieved after it was revealed states are feeding the same data they desire to a federal contractor, Palantir Technologies.
Palantir Technologies has drawn criticism for data work supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations.