Reply to "WHO declares global emergency as China virus death toll reaches 170"

Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam is urging people to stop acts of racism against people of Chinese and Asian descent due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"It is understandable that our fears increase during times like this. However, we need to remember that cohesion in our collective efforts is important," Tam said. "We need to learn from our experience with SARS, where South East Asians faced significant racism and discrimination."

"Racism, discrimination and stigmatizing language are unacceptable and very hurtful. These actions create a divide of Us Vs. Them. Canada is a country built on the deep-rooted values of respect, diversity and inclusion," she added.

Authorities said Wednesday that Chinese Canadians in Toronto have been reporting incidents where people suggest they should be quarantined or avoid Chinese businesses.

https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-...-intl-hnk/index.html