Mobilization
Mobilization is total to manage this crisis, counter rumors and misinformation about it and give the right time on its evolution. Hear that the risk of contagion remains low, call for restraint, see evacuations organized here and there at the request of governments or people who wish to leave the most affected regions: all this is reassuring.
Each of us has read, seen or heard of the mistrust that particularly targets Chinese people, even outside their country. Mobilizing, informing and reassuring are essential to combat this kind of stigma …
Medical personnel transport a patient to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong.
Photo: Reuters / cnsphoto
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Facts
Today, I believe that we know a little more about the nCoV-2019, even if significant gray areas remain and that efforts must continue to limit its expansion and find it an effective treatment.
After a period of hesitation and denial, China has admitted that the coronavirus infection would have originated in its city of Wuhan. The World Health Organization was alerted on December 31, 2019 to cases of pneumonia in this city. On January 7, Chinese authorities confirmed the detection of nCoV-2019. It is now established that his symptoms include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a feeling of poor condition.
The contagious virus has already infected tens of thousands of people and resulted in hundreds of deaths. More than twenty countries are already affected. Canada has confirmed less than a dozen cases, notably in Ontario and British Columbia, but no deaths. National, provincial and territorial public health agencies say they are collaborating with international partners to monitor the situation, detect and manage possible cases.
Health Canada recalls that there is no specific treatment for coronavirus infection, but most patients recover on their own.
The SARS coronavirus seen under a microscope.
Photo: AFP / British Health Protection Agency
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Precautions
Like any epidemic, coronavirus infection exposes you to contagion and health problems that can be fatal. It therefore seems entirely normal to me that precautions should be taken accordingly.
If you have cold-like symptoms, Health Canada recommends that you stay at home, avoid close contact with others, cover your mouth and nose, wash your hands, clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
However, many voices keep reminding us that these precautions should not be used as an excuse to foster distrust of the Chinese and their environment in our communities.
All united
In Alberta, no case of coronavirus has yet been reported, but in Calgary, for example, the Chinese community has felt the need to warn against stigma.
The Chinese Consulate General bought pages from the Edmonton Journal and the Calgary Herald daily newspapers to speak out against or discriminate against Chinese people in the two cities who were suspected of being infected without evidence. It is a gesture that I salute.
The coronavirus crisis is, in fact, it seems to me, an opportunity to demonstrate our solidarity with those who are trying to control this public health crisis, with infected people and with those who have links with these patients.
It’s hard to deny that this epidemic also scares me. But, I hope that in our communities and thanks to informed information, we will become more and more capable of managing our fears while taking the recommended precautions.
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