The Health Ministry has said due to stigma and fear, many a times patients try to hide and avoid seeking timely treatment and this situation does not only bring harm to the patient but also harm their families and to the whole society.

It said the battle is with disease and not with a person suffering from COVID-19.

A health official said, we have to understand that there is no risk of transmission from recovered patients and in fact, they can be a potential source of healing for antibodies using plasma therapy.

He said, we should avoid spreading misinformation and panic. He also said that healthcare and sanitary workers or police should not be targeted as they are for helping the people.