The central government has given strict instructions to all the states that there should not be any communal polarization while dealing with Corona.
The central government has also advised them that there should be no social discrimination against patients. The directive of the Central Government has come in the wake of hundreds of people belonging to the Jamaat being diagnosed with Corona positive.
The Center has asked all states to take necessary steps to prevent social stigma spreading further. Within the last three days, the Chief Ministers of many states also issued statements and gave strict instructions to control it.
According to a senior government official, there has been negligence on the part of the Jamaat and every necessary action is being taken against them. But it is wrong to target the entire Muslim community on the basis of this matter.
Addressing Social Stigma Associated with COVID-19
Amid the rising incidents of prejudices and social stigma against some communities and area due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday issued an advisory saying that such prejudices and social stigma during outbreak of communicable diseases may cause fear and anxiety which could culminate into increased hostility, chaos and unnecessary social disruptions.
- Although COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease which spreads fast and can infect any one of us, we can protect ourselves through social distancing, washing our hands regularly and following sneezing / coughing etiquettes.
- Despite all precautions, if anybody catches the infection, it is not their fault. In situation of distress, the patient and the family need support and cooperation. It must be noted that the condition is curable and most people recover from it.
- Healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, and allied & healthcare professionals are rendering their services tirelessly to provide care and medical / clinical support in this situation of crisis. Sanitary workers and police are also doing selfless service and playing critical roles in addressing the challenge of COVID-19. They all deserve our support, praise and appreciation.
- All those directly involved in the management of COVID-19 are equipped with appropriate protective equipment to keep them safe from the infection.
- Targeting essential services providers and their families will weaken our fight against COVID-19 and can prove grievously detrimental for the entire nation.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Appreciate efforts of people providing essential services and be supportive towards them and their families.
- Share only the authentic information available on the website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India or the World Health Organisation.
- Cross check any information related to CoVID-19 from reliable sources before forwarding any messages on social media.
- Share positive stories of those who have recovered from COVID-19.
Don’ts
- Never spread names or identity of those affected or under quarantine or their locality on the social media.
- Avoid spreading fear and panic.
- Do not target healthcare and sanitary workers or police. They are there to
- help you.
- Do not label any community or area for spread of COVID-19.
- Avoid addressing those under treatment as COVID victims. Address them as “people recovering from COVID”.
