Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has asked the public to remain compassionate while staying vigilant as the country deals with the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Andanar made the statement as stories or instances of alleged discrimination against Chinese surfaced online following the confirmation of the first 2019-nCoV case in the Philippines.
Andanar urged the public not to discriminate, saying the virus was not exclusive to Chinese nationals.
“We appeal to the public to remain calm, level-headed, and compassionate, as we all work towards dealing with and containing the threat of the 2019-novel coronavirus spread,” he said.
“As the issue of a viral outbreak affects everyone, let us not engage in discriminatory behavior, nor act with any bias towards our fellowmen. The reality is everyone is susceptible to the virus,” he added.
According to the Palace official, the public should not let unfounded fears tear them apart.
“We should not let fear turn us against one another, especially if these fears are unfounded. We must not stigmatize people, especially when they are at their most vulnerable, but empathize with them instead,” Andanar said.
He assured Filipinos that the Philippines is working with other countries, their government health agencies, and international health organizations to contain the virus from spreading.
“Preventing the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV is not something we can do alone,” he said.
Andanar asked the public not to hoard face masks and create an unnecessary scarcity, saying this may prevent others from taking precautionary measures to protect themselves.
“Let us not resort to panic, sow fear-mongering, or spread misinformation. Solidarity, empathy, and cooperation are what we need to successfully take actions that will overcome this health concern,” he said.
Malacañang had earlier appealed to manufacturers to produce more face masks following reports that face masks sold like hotcakes after the Department of Health confirmed the country’s first 2019-nCoV patient was being treated in Manila. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
