Coronavirus Update 2.25.20

The best disease prevention strategy is always education, practicing basic hygiene, and creating good karma! Regarding education, please see the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s website for basic information on the coronavirus.

Educate Yourself. – As of February 25, 2020, the risk in the U.S. for contracting the virus is considered low according to the CDC. However, there has been criticism of the current administration’s funding cuts to medical response readiness. Visit this CDC page to check the current situation.

Good Hygiene – CommuniChi’s policy is to encourage you to stay home and rest if you have cold symptoms including fever and cough.  In general, cover your mouth if you have a cough. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, noise and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.  This applies to any disease prevention strategy including the common cold and flu. For more on prevention, visit this CDC page.

“I Am Not A Virus”

Karma – Lastly, be careful not to engage in racist, xenophobic stereotypes of Asian people. People—including those of Asian descent—who have not recently traveled to China or been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of acquiring and spreading COVID-19 than other Americans.

Viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicity, or racial backgrounds. People from China in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in the region. Facing stigma can make fear and anxiety worsen. Social support during this outbreak can help them cope.
What can you do? Share accurate information about how the virus spreads. Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people, or exclusion of people who pose no risk from regular activities. Be cautious about the images that are shared. Make sure they do not reinforce stereotypes. Engage with stigmatized groups in person and through media channels including news media and social media. Share the need for social support for people who have returned from China or are worried about friends or relatives in the affected region.

 

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