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DOH asks public not to discriminate COVID-19 patients

2020-04-08 15:39



MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, April 5th, asked the public not to mistreat or discriminate against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.


Such behavior would have an impact on the country’s efforts in fighting the disease.


Nalulungkot po kami kapag nakakarinig ng mga kwento ng ating mga positive cases, kasama na rin ang ating exposed healthcare workers, na nakakaranas ng diskriminasyon at stigma, [It saddens us to hear stories of positive cases including exposed healthcare workers who experienced discrimination and stigma],” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a briefing on Sunday.


Gusto ko lamang pong sabihin sa lahat, pakiusap (na) huwag mamahiya ng mga taong may COVID-19 [I ask everybody please, do not shame patients with COVID-19],” she added.


The official said the ‘stigma’ against COVID-19 positive patients may lead to other positive patients to conceal their condition which consequently could compromise the national government’s efforts to address their condition.


The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) has urged the local governments to formulate measures that would penalize any act of discrimination and harassment against frontliners and COVID-19 positive patients.


IATF-EID spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles warned that acts of discrimination such as coercion, slander and physical injuries shall be dealt with under the law as well as dishonoring of contractual obligations like contracts of lease or employment of COVID-19 patients.

Source: https://www.untvweb.com/news/