Covid-19 stigma rising
MAMELLO SEBATANE
Maseru – In the middle of the deadly pandemic, social stigma and discrimination against those who test positive for Covid-19 are rising, adding to the already existing social inequalities along gender, socio-economic status, occupation and sexual orientation.
Speaking to Public Eye today, Baraone Phenethi, risk communication manager at NACOSEC said people in communities should avoid victimising Covid-19 patients because the virus itself does not discriminate.
He said non-discriminatory behaviour enables people to disclose their health status, adding that when people disclose their status, it allows them (victims) and people around them to take preventative measures against Covid-19.
“Do not hesitate to tell and warn the next person to wear their masks, tell them to protect you and to protect themselves from possible contact,” he said.