While COVID-19 spreads in our community so too does xenophobia and racism. Recognize the difference between legitimate health and safety concerns from discrimination.
What COVID-19 is:
- The legitimate names for the virus are coronavirus and COVID-19.
- The virus is highly transmissible among people.
- You may have a higher risk of being exposed to it if you interact with someone that was traveling abroad especially in high-risk countries such as: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.
What COVID-19 is not:
- The virus is not the Wuhan virus, a foreign virus, or the China flu/virus. This is discriminatory and can spread more fear towards Asians.
- You will not catch the virus from people perceived to be Chinese people or from any people of Asian descent that have not traveled to China or other affected areas.
- Chinese and Asian-American businesses in the United States are not high-risk areas.
Combat COVID-19 along with xenophobia and racism by following these simple steps:
- Wash your hands
- Be kind to each other
- Support your local small businesses, especially Asian-Americans businesses.
- Don’t touch your face
- Avoid people who are sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home if possible
- Speak up when you see xenophobia and/or racism