The nickname assumed that Spain was where the virus originated from but actually this was a result of gross misinformation. From the moment Covid-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China, the virus was immediately labelled “The Chinese Virus”. Those who contracted it were suppressed into silence as the stigma against the virus made it impossible to getting tested and accessing treatment and care. The history of stigma and stigmatisation is especially common in disease outbreaks, meaning the stigma around Covid-19 should begin to worry us. Adjusting routines and behaviour without causing further discrimination on people is also a good way of reducing the fear that fuels stigma.

Source: Daily Nation April 18, 2020 19:52 UTC