Canada's top doctor "concerned" about racism linked to coronavirus
Canada’s top doctor says she is “concerned” around the growing reports of racism and discrimination directed towards people of Chinese and Asian descent in relation to coronavirus.
“It is understandable that our fears increase during times like this. However, we need to remember that cohesion in our collective efforts is important,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, on Twitter.
1/5 I am concerned about the growing number of reports of #racism and stigmatizing comments on social media directed to people of Chinese and Asian descent related to #2019nCOV #coronavirus. #EndStigma pic.twitter.com/xpueZTcNn9
— Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) January 30, 2020
Tam says it is critical to learn from the SARS outbreak in 2003 where “where South East Asians faced significant #racism and #discrimination.”
“Racism, discrimination, and stigmatizing language are unacceptable and very hurtful,” she states. “These actions create a divide of UsVsThem. Canada is a country built on the deep-rooted values of respect, diversity and inclusion.”
5/5 #Racism, #discrimination and stigmatizing language are unacceptable and very hurtful. These actions create a divide of #UsVsThem. #Canada is a country built on the deep-rooted values of respect, diversity and inclusion. #EndStigma #2019nCOV #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/qianvvIwgn
— Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) January 30, 2020
This message was echoed by City of Toronto officials earlier this week.
“Inaccurate information continues to spread and this is creating unnecessary stigma against members of our community. I am deeply concerned and find it disappointing
that this is happening,” Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s Medical Officer of Health, said in a release that is available in both English and Chinese.
“Discrimination is not acceptable. It is not helpful and spreading misinformation does not offer anyone protection.”
Others have taken to social media to express their concerns with racism in Canada linked to coronavirus.
Recently, stigmatizing comments have been directed at people of Chinese and Asian heritage regarding #2019nCOV. Divisive statements have no place in Canada’s vision for an inclusive society. We must continue to be guided by our values of equality and openness.
#EndStigma— S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (@SUCCESSCanada) January 31, 2020
The stories of discrimination coming from Chinese Canadians are heartbreaking. This stigma is based on racism, not facts.
Our medical professionals are working hard to keep us safe and fight #Coronavirus. Let’s not hurt our communities by turning on our friends and neighbours. https://t.co/fz4ObGL9WN
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 31, 2020
Also, we should be embarrassed as a community that we even have to have these conversations. Friends/Family overseas are asking me about this. This is not the Canada I want to talk about #coronavirus #racism
— Jamie Chai Yun Liew (@thechaiyun) January 31, 2020
Today my son was cornered at school by kids who wanted to “test” him for #Coronavirus just because he is half-Chinese. They chased him. Scared him. And made him cry.
I was the same age when I was bullied for being Pakistani.
It’s 2020. I thought things had changed by now… 💔
— Dr. Nadia Alam (@DocSchmadia) January 30, 2020
We are renovating our bathroom. Our contractors are Chinese. Born here. Never been to China. Yesterday somebody spit on their daughter while she was on her way home from school. Come on Toronto. Be better. #racism #TOpoli #CoronaVirusCanada
— Beth Levy (@Beth_Levy66) January 31, 2020
in canada 500-1500 people die every year from influenza. you know, the one everyone knows about.
coronavirus is a public health issue, sure. but that goes for all viruses. it’s not an epidemic. irresponsible news reporting & fear-mongering is rooted in racism.
— about to gingerbread SNAP 🎄☃️🌨 (@soteikat) January 30, 2020
A racist encounter was also recently captured on video in Metro Vancouver. The video was uploaded and shared on Instagram on Thursday evening. The user says that the incident took place in the afternoon and involved a man making racist comments about the virus towards their mother and sister.
The short clip reveals a brief exchange in which the man says “You dropped your coronavirus.”
The BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC) issued a number of tweets hoping to clear up “several misconceptions being spread about coronavirus on social media.”
The thread notes that the virus doesn’t spread through “casual contact” and that the “receptors for coronavirus are deep in a person’s lungs.”
The fourth case of coronavirus in Canada was confirmed in Ontario on Friday.
With files from Vincent Plana and Kayla Gladysz.
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