(Getty Images/Andrea Verdelli)

“Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma towards Chinese or other Asian Americans,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns, urging Americans to take steps to combat the stereotyping of groups of people due to the coronavirus.

“Viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds,” yet, discrimination can be prompted by associating a disease such as coronavirus (COVID-19), the CDC warns on the section of its website devoted to dealing with the stigmatization of coronavirus:

“At this time most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. However, some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma towards Chinese or other Asian Americans. Stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease (for example, Chinese-Americans and other Asian-Americans living in the United States). “Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem. We can fight stigma and help not hurt others by providing social support. We can communicate the facts that being Chinese or Asian American does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.”

The CDC recommends providing emotional support to those at risk of being stigmatized:

“People from affected countries that live in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in the region. Facing stigma can make fear and anxiety worsen. Social support during this outbreak can help them cope.”

Health care providers who have been abroad treating patients with the coronavirus also need “social support” when they come back home to the U.S., the CDC says:

“Helping fight an outbreak can be mentally and emotionally challenging. These helpers need social support upon their return.”

Comments and images posted on social media traumatize and stereotype stigmatized groups as well, the CDC cautions, calling on “communicators and public health officials” to take action. In addition to discouraging “negative behaviors” on social media, they should also “engage with stigmatized groups in person,” the CDC recommends:

Communicators and public health officials can help counter stigma during the COVID-19 response.

Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people, or exclusion of people who pose no risk from regular activities.

Be cautious about the images that are shared. Make sure they do not reinforce stereotypes.

Engage with stigmatized groups in person and through media channels including news media and social media.

Share the need for social support for people who have returned from China or are worried about friends or relatives in the affected region.

Finally, the CDC advises Americans to “know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” in order to “stop the spread of rumors”: