Stigma will kill us

THE EDITOR, Madam:

HERE WE are with the reality of the wide spread of the COVID-19 disease within our nation. What is alarming to me and I guess many, is the news of high levels of discrimination against nurses and communities, among others. I learnt that a nurse complained bitterly about her co-workers shunning her due to her A&E workstation.

Also alarming are the claims that call-centre employees in Portmore are refusing to allow the health ministry bus to pick them up for testing, with the reason for such action being fear of stigmatisation or even being left homeless.

I can understand the fear that many individuals may experience in this pandemic. The reality is, there is much more for us to learn about this virus and much that is not told to us. However, this too shall pass, like numerous pandemics in the past; namely, Spanish fever, polio, cholera, etc.

Stigma cannot be the answer to solve the pandemic or even stop the spread of the pandemic. Stigma will cause more harm to our population due to the fear and anxiety of one knowing their status. Stigma will only divide us.

I would, therefore, suggest to each citizen that we have the answer to solve this pandemic. This answer is not stigma, hatred or fear, but rather playing our part by staying at home and maintaining social distancing.

This is a war that we must win together, not by division but by unity. We will reflect years from now on this pandemic and it must be said that we overcame together.

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON