My son and his friend were stopped one day by some kids who wanted to “test” them for Coronavirus because they were Chinese.

A few restaurants in downtown Toronto are now refusing to serve people who look Chinese.

Across Ontario, comments are now made to kids who look Chinese that they should stop eating bats, that they are somehow dirty and should be quarantined. 

In Australia, patients will no longer shake the hands of a Chinese doctor.

This is racism triggered by fear of the coronavirus epidemic.

I get that people are scared. Fear can bring out the worst in people. Fear of the unknown, of an uncertain future. And while their intent may be benign, their words and actions hurt.

Staying silent is not the answer.

Instead, we should turn to compassion. Solidarity. Education. Perspective.

There is a lot of good information out there about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus and what you can do to stay safe. The Public Health Agency of Canada has up to date information here. There are 3 known cases in Canada as of January 29, 2020 and a few others are being monitored. 

By comparison, each year, the flu virus causes an approximate 12, 200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths across Canada. And there are many, many other contagious viruses that dominate the winter season here.

We have watched health systems around the world struggle under the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic. The handful of cases in Canada mean we have time to pull together and prepare.

No matter what, the gold standard of prevention still includes:

• Getting your annual flu shot.

• Washing your hands frequently.

• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

• Sneezing or coughing into your shoulder or elbow.

• Staying home to limit the spread of person-to-person infection.

• Seeking medical attention if you have red flags like chest pain, shortness of breath, lethargy, dehydration etc.

SARS and the annual flu has taught Ontario how to deal with outbreaks. Those lessons are being put to good use in hospitals, clinics and public health agencies to deal with the Coronavirus.

It is important to stay calm. Stay informed. And stop the spread of misinformation.

Being Chinese Canadian does not mean you have the coronavirus. Being Chinese Canadian does not mean that you should be quarantined. Being a Chinese Canadian person with a viral illness like the cold does not mean that you have the coronavirus. 

Being Chinese Canadian means... you’re a Canadian.

I love Georgetown. I live here. I work here. My kids will be raised here. We will do our part to make our community strong and healthy — just like everyone else should.