While the number of deaths and acute respiratory infections caused by the new strain of corona virus continues to rise in China, discrimination against Asians including Chinese people rising sign in Australia.

Facing this fact, the Australian Government has repeatedly called on people to stop these unreasonable actions.

According to Australian authorities, so far, the number of people infected with the new strain of coronavirus (nCoV) in the country is still 15, of which 5 have been discharged. No new cases have been reported during the past 4 days. Notably, all cases of virus infection in Australia now come from Wuhan city of China or direct contact with infected people.

Although there have not been cases of cross-infection in the community, but since the outbreak of the disease, there has been discrimination in China from Asians in general and Asians in particular. Speaking at a press conference this morning, Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the incidents of discrimination against Chinese people and expressed sympathy for the difficulties faced by the Chinese Australian community. are suffering this time.

Minister Greg Hunt’s statement reflects the fact that many services provided by Chinese people such as restaurants, clinics, shops ... are now very empty. In the Box Hill area of Melbourne, where Chinese people live, some stores have experienced a 90% drop in sales. Not only that, discrimination against Chinese people in particular and Asians in general has also occurred in some public places. Australian media reported that some Asians were disparaged when traveling on public transport or on the road.

This situation not only causes social injustice but also affects the business activities of these businesses, negatively affecting the Australian economy, which is facing many difficulties due to drought and forest fires. . Under this situation, on 10/02, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that "extreme or negative actions are not encouraged".

On February 11, Health Minister Greg Hunt also called on people not to be afraid to go to crowded places of Chinese origin: “Shopping malls are safe. Even if the shopping centers are near an area where many people of Chinese descent live, it is safe and there is no reason not to go to these areas. I think the important message that everyone needs to grasp is safety, solidarity and respect. ”

Professor Brendan Murphy, Health Director of Australia, affirmed that until now Australians have not needed to worry about the new generation corona virus spreading in the community and asked people not to discriminate against of Asian descent: “We are very concerned about xenophobia and other forms of racism. We mention a group of people because of where they used to be, not because of who they were. In Australia, there is currently no case of cross-transmission of nCoV in the community. There is no reason in this country to alienate any community because of its background or appearance. ”

The health departments of the states of Queensland and New South Wales, where patients with new-generation corona virus infection, have issued warnings about some misinformation spread among people about the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Australian doctors also urge the people of this country to calm down and respond appropriately. Dr John Bonning, President of ACEM Medical Emergency University issued a statement calling for people to avoid "panic and division" in the context of chaotic information.