GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - There is no shame in being referred for testing or testing positive for Covid-19. Also, remember most people will recover after a mild illness.
Covid-19 does not discriminate and anyone can be infected. Communities need to support those who have tested positive.
It is normal to feel scared, anxious, confused and even panic because of the virus and what we don't know. But these feelings should not make you discriminate against someone who has tested positive.
We should not stigmatise people who have tested positive. We must offer our support. Although you should avoid physical contact, you can support them by messaging or calling to ask how they are doing. As they and the rest of their household will be in isolation, you can offer to help by buying food or medication and dropping it off at their door.
Remember, we are in this together and must support each other.
Health risk due to social stigmatisation
When someone who tested positive for Covid-19 feels scared or threatened by their community or neighbourhood, they might hide their illness to avoid discrimination. This can result in them not seeking healthcare, which can lead to their condition deteriorating and eventually spreading the virus to others. "Remember, it is a difficult time for the infected or affected people and they need compassion, love, and support," said Nadia Ferreira, Principal Communications Officer of the Western Cape Government Health Department.
Instead of stigmatising or discriminating, you can offer to help them.
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Group Editors (publications and online platforms) is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
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