Infection shame felt by patients

PEOPLE who contract Covid-19 should not feel ashamed by their positive result, a socialist has said.

UNSW Sydney research fellow Clare Southerton highlighted the shame that some Australians felt for testing positive.

She said it was important to remember that the world was in a pandemic and that was not an individual’s responsibility or event.

Due to the relatively low case numbers in the nation, Dr Southerton said public attention was focused on those who contracted the virus, heightening stigma and shame.

“Remind yourself that this is something largely out of our control, and be kind to yourself in this really difficult time,” she said.