# Reducing Stigma Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social [***stigma** (1)* ](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html#t1)toward people, places, or things. For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a 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. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others. It is important to remember that people – including those of Asian descent – who do not live in or have not recently been in an area of ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, or have not been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of spreading COVID-19 than other Americans. Some groups of people who may be experiencing stigma because of COVID-19 include: * Persons of Asian descent * People who have traveled * Emergency responders or healthcare professionals Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Stigmatized groups may be subjected to: * Social avoidance or rejection * Denials of healthcare, education, housing or employment * Physical violence. Stigma affects the emotional or [***mental health** (2)*](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html#t2) of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members [***resilient** (3)*](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html#t3). See [resources on mental health and coping during COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html). Everyone can help stop stigma related to COVID-19 by [knowing the facts](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html) and sharing them with others in your community. **Communicators and public health officials can help counter stigma during the COVID-19 response.** * Maintain privacy and confidentiality of those seeking healthcare and those who may be part of any contact investigation. * Quickly communicate the risk or lack of risk from associations with products, people, and places. * Raise awareness about COVID-19 without increasing fear. * Share accurate information about how the virus spreads. * 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. * Thank healthcare workers and responders. People who have traveled to areas where the COVID-19 outbreak is happening to help have performed a valuable service to everyone by helping make sure this disease does not spread further. * Share the need for social support for people who have returned from China or are worried about friends or relatives in the affected region. ## Key Terms 1. **Stigma** occurs when people associate a risk with a specific people, place, or thing – like a minority population group – and there is no evidence that the risk is greater in that group than in the general population. Stigmatization is especially common in disease outbreaks. () 2. **Mental health** is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well being in which a person realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community ([https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-responseexternal icon](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response)). 3. **Resilience** is the ability to withstand and recover from stress. ()