I don’t think those rankings themselves are the problem, at least not the ones mentioned in the article, the issue is a lack of transparency and configurability.

“isLocalCovidAuthority” makes a hell a lot of sense but if it gets boosted to the front then google should say “We are prioritising this result because we deem it trustworthy source of relevant information”: If you make an editorial decision, actually stand by it.

“isSmallPersonalSite” also makes sense, but what about giving users the choice of prioritising or deprioritising it instead of making it for them?