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SITUATION IN NUMBERS total and new cases in last 24 hours
Globally 79 331 confirmed (715new)
China 77 262 confirmed (415 new )2595 deaths (150 new)
Outside of China 2069 confirmed (300new)
29 countries (1 new) 23deaths (6new)
WHO RISK ASSESSMENT
China Very High
Regional Level High
Global Level High
HIGHLIGHTS
•One new Member State (Kuwait)reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
•Since the emergence of COVID-19 we have seen instances of public stigmatization among specific populations, and the rise of harmful stereotypes. Stigmatization could potentially contribute to more severe health problems, ongoing transmission, and difficulties controlling infectious diseases during an epidemic.Please see the Subject in Focus section for more information on how to counter stigmatizing attitudes.
SUBJECT IN FOCUS:Risk Communications to Address StigmaStigma occurs when people negatively associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a specific population. In the case of COVID-19, there are an increasing number of reports of public stigmatization against people from areas affected by the epidemic. Unfortunately, this means that people are being labelled, stereotyped, separated, and/or experience loss of status and discrimination because of apotentialnegative affiliation with the disease.Given that COVID-19 is a new disease, it is understandable that its emergence and spread cause confusion,anxiety and fear among the general public. These factors can give rise to harmful stereotypes.
Stigma can:
•Drive people to hide the illness to avoid discrimination •Prevent people from seeking health care immediately •Discourage them from adopting healthy behaviours Such barriers could potentially contribute to more severe health problems, ongoing transmission, and difficulties controlling infectious diseases during an infectious disease outbreak.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICEF and the WHO are developing community-basedguides and global campaigns to thwart the effects of stigma on people and the COVID-19 response.
Do your part.Governments, citizens, media, key influencers and communities have an important role to play in preventing and stopping stigma. We all need tobe intentional and thoughtful when communicating on social media and other communication platforms, showing supportive behaviors around COVID-19.Here are some examples and tips on possible actions to counter stigmatizing attitudes: •Spreading the facts: Stigma can be heightened by insufficient knowledge about how the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is transmitted and treated, and how to prevent infection. •Engaging social influencerssuch as religious leaders on prompting reflection about people who are stigmatized and how to support them, or respected celebrities to amplify messages that reduce stigma. •Amplify the voices, stories and images of local people who have experienced COVID-19 and have recovered or who have supported a loved one through recovery to emphasise that most people do recover from COVID-19.•Make sure you portray different ethnic groups.
Materials should show diverse communities that are being affected, and show communities working together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
•Balanced reporting.Media reporting should be balanced and contextualised, disseminating evidence-based information and helping combat rumour and misinformation that could lead to stigmatisation.•Link up.There are a number ofinitiatives to address stigma and stereotyping. It is key to link up to these activities to create a movement and a positive environment that shows care and empathy for all .
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