READ: WHO Director General: Don’t spread fear and stigma with travel bans
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 7) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called on people not to discriminate against foreigners over fears arising from the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak.
“What is equally concerning is on how this outbreak has also resulted [in] undue discrimination against other people and race,” said CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia in a statement.
“With the world confronted with a virus with little information known, it is human to be afraid. But we must not allow hysteria and paranoia to result [in] othering and irrational treatment of people.”
The Department of Health (DOH) has so far recorded three confirmed cases in the country, with 133 patients under investigation.
The government already imposed travel bans to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that Filipinos should avoid being xenophobic towards Chinese nationals.
De Guia added that everyone should be guided by facts amid the threat of virus.
“CHR calls for allowing science and reason to guide government and individual actions, as well as using correct information in preventing the further spread of 2019-nCoV ARD.”
She added, “Putting a halt to rumor-mongering and the spread of false information demands collective action.”
