Regardless of where you stand with this policy, you gotta give it some Kudos: It's a very efficient way to cleanse your entire bureaucracy of doubters. I can't think of another example where a democratic republic, which by definition includes a spectrum of opinions, has its whole bureaucratic hierarchy re-aligned with the ruling party's platform. Maybe this is due to the fact, that this is inherently undemocratic?
it's not about cleansing doubters, but rather political opposition. and it's never been about effective pandemic mitigation from either major party. it's entirely about flexing and coalescing power.
no matter what your political affiliation might be[0], we should always oppose such naked political power-grubbing.
[0]: note that i'd strongly argue against having one, not just as a matter of principle, but simply to make politicians really (rather than superficially, as it now is) work for our collective and individual support.