Coronavirus outbreak: Kiwis urged not to let fear turn to racism

Saturday, 1 February 2020

The coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has so far killed 213 people and infected 9826 people globally.

The Human Rights Commission is urging Kiwis not to let 'fears turn into ignorance, rudeness or racism' amid the coronavirus scare.

More than 200 people have died in China after the coronavirus was first reported on New Year's Eve.

Some countries have stopped flights to and from China as a result.

'It is really disappointing to hear of reports of racial abuse, as a result of the Coronavirus,' the commission tweeted.

'We caution all New Zealanders – do not let your fears turn into ignorance, rudeness or racism.'

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The coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has so far killed more than 200 people and infected 9826 people globally. Outside of China, 106 cases across 19 countries have confirmed cases of the virus.

Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said anxiety and fear should never be a reason to discriminate and vilify Chinese or any other group.

'This racial stereotyping is unfair and unkind,' Foon said.

'Victims of the types of abuse that are being reported are as equally worried about their health as other members of the community– they do not need added pressure.'

New Zealand has no recorded cases of the virus yet, despite the first possible case being isolated at Auckland Hospital on Friday.

The Ministry of Health confirmed at a press conference on Saturday the tests came back negative.

However, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said it was 'likely' the country would get a case of coronavirus at some point and authorities were remaining vigilant.

Auckland councillor Paul Young said he understands people with young families don't want to get sick, but he also said it was a global issue, and anyone of any race can be infected.

'I know people are thinking: 'Chinese virus',' he said.

World Health Organisation announced a global emergency on January 31, after latest figures had the death toll at 213, with 9826 confirmed cases globally.

'From anywhere in the world, we should be treating them all equally.

'But don't forget there's already 10 per cent of Chinese already in Auckland. Chinese are also New Zealanders, they are our people.

'The issue New Zealanders now face is prevention and hopefully nothing happens here.'

There are no complaints lodged with the commission in relation to the coronavirus.

However, any person who believes that they have been discriminated against can make a complaint to the Commission.

The commission asks all New Zealanders to remain calm and follow instructions from the Ministry of Health and public health officers.

'Please be kind, resist judging, and typecasting people based on their ethnicity, nationality or physical appearance,' Foon said.