Guide to address the stigma associated with COVID-19

New Delhi, June 16, 2020: COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency that is causing a stressful and difficult time for everyone. During this crisis, rumours and misinformation create more stress and can hamper COVID-19 recovery. Therefore, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a guide to address the stigma associated with COVID19.

Why is there a Stigma?
The stigma associated with COVID-19 is based on three main factors: Lack of adequate information, fear of the disease and rumours or misinformation.

People facing Stigma and Discrimination: People affected by COVID-19, their families /caregivers/friends. People under quarantine and their families. Frontline health care providers like doctors, nurses, paramedics, field workers, hospital staffs and sanitation workers etc. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and migrant workers.

Effects of stigma and discrimination: People concealing symptoms, hesitancy in seeking medical care. People not adhering to interventions like home quarantine. Increased sense of emotional isolation, feeling of guilt and anxiety. Lack of self-esteem and confidence. Ostracisation of healthcare workers and others involved in COVID-19 management. Worsening of pre-existing psychiatric illness such as depression

These may lead to COVID-19 cases not being reported, or reported late, making management of the outbreak more difficult. Diversion from the required preventive measures which need to be undertaken.

Things to know about COVID-19:

1. Although COVID-19 is highly contagious, we can protect ourselves by following preventive measures such as physical distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing a face cover/mask.

2. Despite precautions, if a person contracts COVID-19, it is not his/her fault. Anyone is susceptible to contracting the disease, no one needs to be blamed.

3. In situations of distress, the patient and the family need support and cooperation. 4. Be a well-wisher to those in isolation/ quarantine and their families. Testing, isolation and quarantine are meant to protect the family and community. 5. Celebrate persons who have recovered from COVID-19 as WINNERS. They do not have the virus & there is no risk of transmission.

Tips to reduce stigma related to COVID-19:

Dos
-Be appreciative and supportive of efforts made by frontline workers
-Verify the information from a reliable source such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s website, before sharing or forwarding the same
-Share positive stories of those who have recovered from COVID-19

Don’ts
-Don’t spread misinformation
– Don’t label any individual, group or area for the spread of COVID-19
-Don’t spread name, identity, locality of persons affected or under quarantine