City officials are warning of a rise in "xenophobic hysteria" against Asians as the number of novel coronavirus cases increases in New York.

"The virus is colorblind," said Councilmember Margaret Chin at a press conference in Chinatown Monday. "Discrimination against any particular group is unjustifiable."



Chin said misinformation and rumors have created "division, panic and hatred in our community" and "as a result Asian New Yorkers and small businesses have been bearing the brunt of increasing anxiety."

"We are actually facing two different viruses. We are facing not just the coronavirus, but we are also facing an epidemic of anti-Asian sentiment. We've seen reports of Asian Americans being attacked all throughout New York as a result of unfounded xenophobic fears," said Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou at the press conference.

Niou recounted some recent attacks including an incident where "a woman wearing a face mask was called a diseased whore and assaulted in some way." Other recent reported attacks include this viral video of a man apparently being sprayed with Febreze on a subway car.

What works in stopping the spread of Coronavirus:

1. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds

2. Cough and sneeze into your elbow

3. Stay home if you're sick



What doesn't work:

1. Racism https://t.co/wBrkkBe7yP — MTA (@MTA) March 5, 2020

Niou pointed out that "we have not yet even confirmed a case of the coronavirus in our communities. And yet, we are undergoing this kind of treatment even though every single one of our restaurants -- even though every single one of our businesses -- has the same safety inspections, commercial standards and health codes as anyone else. But people continue to spread messages, urging others to avoid Asian American restaurants or businesses."

"And people continue to demonize us. You know, even my own office has gotten calls saying that we eat bats," she added.

Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has weighed in on the rise of anti-Asian racism on its tip sheet: "People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19."

Some restaurants in New York's multiple Chinatown districts have said their business has dropped precipitously since the beginning of the year.

arrow Empty tables at the Taiwan Pork Chop House on Doyers Street in Manhattan. Gothamist

This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that businesses with less than 100 employees that show a decrease in sales of up to 25 percent would be eligible for no-interest loans of as much as $75,000. Those with under five employees could receive grants of up to $6,000 to help with payroll.

Chin reminded everyone in the city to exercise proper guidance:

"We continue to urge New Yorkers to stay alert and practice proper safe hygiene. If you're sick you stay home, you don't go to work you don't go to school. Even if you don't speak English or have a doctor you can seek medical attention from the city," she said. "Facts are our best defense."