Govt issues advisory to address social stigma associated with COVID-19

Government  yesterday issued an advisory to address the social stigma associated with the COVID-19 pandemic urging people not to label any community or area for the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In its advisory, the Health Ministry said, public health emergencies during an outbreak of communicable diseases may cause fear and anxiety leading to prejudices against people and communities, social isolation and stigma.  It added that such behaviour may culminate into increased hostility, chaos and unnecessary social disruptions.

The advisory comes



following a spurt in coronavirus cases after a Tablighi Jamaat meet at Nizamuddin  in New Delhi  and instances of people especially on social media, blaming  a particular community for the spread of COVID-19.

The ministry also listed various dos and don'ts in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. They include-  Do not target healthcare and sanitary workers or police as they are to help people.  The advisory  came amid cases of harassment and social stigmatization of healthcare and sanitation workers.