Why - because the actions are designed to affect not only the direct victims but to send a message and intimidate a wider group.
Similar to why rackateering and organized crime is treated separately and more harshly than its component crimes.
And then there is this:
Democratic Denver Councilwoman Tweets Support For Spreading the Coronavirus At Trump Rallies
https://www.mrctv.org/blog/democrati...qtCUVgEZoGpzMo
Attachment 49438Quote:
The councilwoman, who represents Denver's 9th District, tweeted her support for one person on social media who said that if they were to come down with the deadly respiratory disease, they’re “attending every MAGA rally I can” to spread the infection to Trump supporters.
“#Solidarity yaaaas!!” CdeBaca tweeted, along with a string of laughing emojis, a raised black fist and an “OK” gesture (which has temporarily ceased being a symbol of white supremacy, I suppose).