COVID-19 travel policies and discrimination for travelers from China

Restrictions such as these are therefore likely to be more political gestures than effective management policies, due to their poor efficacy. However, travel restrictions in some Asian countries could send the false message of associating the disease with certain populations, thus potentially discriminating against others, including Asians living in countries with travel restrictions. and even hatred of people in Asia. Similar to the previous history associated with communicable diseases such as leprosy and HIV/AIDS, the ineffective use of quarantine and isolation measures to associate communicable diseases with at-risk minorities has led to discrimination against minority ethnic groups and low-income populations. It can lead to both a false sense of risk. others outside the labeled population.

Studies document an increase in anti-Asian discrimination and violence during the pandemic in the United States.

Discrimination from such ineffective policies can be long-lasting. COVID-19 is a pandemic, threatening the health of people around the world. Therefore, all communities must work together to face and fight against his COVID-19. Measures are needed to contribute to this ultimate goal of reducing deaths, hospitalizations and infections. Measures that reinforce discrimination against specific groups without an overarching scientific interest undermine the fight against COVID-19 and other global efforts to improve health equity.