Respiratory Infectious Diseases / COVID-19 – Tips

Stigma occurs when people associate a risk with specific people, places, or things, such as a minority population group. Stigmatization is common in disease outbreaks. Groups that may be experiencing stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic include:

• Travellers.
• Certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including people of Asian, African, or Latin-American descent.
• People who are or were in COVID-19 quarantine or isolation, tested positive for COVID-19, were sick or have recovered from being sick with COVID-19.
• People who are or were closely associated with COVID-19 positive individuals.
• Emergency responders or healthcare professionals.
• Other frontline workers, such as grocery store clerks, delivery drivers, or farm and food processing plant workers.
• People who live with disabilities or developmental or behavioral disorders that cause them to have difficulty following health recommendations.
• People who cough frequently due to underlying health conditions.
• People living in congregate (group) settings, such as people experiencing homelessness.
• People who are unvaccinated or vaccinated.

Microaggressions are subtle verbal, non-verbal, and environmental snubs or insults that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages. These messages target persons based on the group the other person perceives them to belong to. Individuals who may be experiencing microaggressions during the COVID-19 pandemic include those listed above and individuals perceived to be ignoring or downplaying public health advice.

The language we use can reinforce false assumptions and harm individuals’ well-being. Be mindful and use factual language when referring to the virus and people who have or may have it.

During the stress of a pandemic, the risk of violence or harassment toward certain individuals, those working alone or people performing critical tasks (e.g., providing care or other services to the public, working with vulnerable individuals, etc.) may be greater.

Employers are encouraged to establish or review risk assessments and policies on violence and harassment prevention in the workplace. Employees who are experiencing or have witnessed harassment or violence are asked to report the circumstances to their employer or supervisor as soon as possible.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing microaggression and social stigma related to COVID-19. Employers can provide information from reliable sources about virus transmission and steps that workers can take to protect themselves and their families. Display posters or send email updates to staff.

Know the facts:

• Diseases (including COVID-19) can make anyone sick, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
• Someone who has completed quarantine or isolation is not a source of infection to other people.
• Understand the risks of getting COVID-19 and ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
• Know who are at risk for more severe disease and outcomes from COVID-19 (e.g., older adults, people with chronic medical conditions or who are immunocompromised, those living with obesity, etc.).
• Know the symptoms and monitor your health.

• Be a part of the solution. Correct misinformation, challenge myths, and show empathy.
• Keep in regular contact with the individual.
• Acknowledge the impact on the team, productivity, and morale.
• Address team or individual fears and concerns.
• Offer to support them or their caregivers:
  • Maintain social contact through phone calls, video chats, text messages, etc.
  • Arrange for food or essential supplies to be delivered

• Talk to your employer or supervisor, someone trained in mental health first aid, or someone else you trust about what you are experiencing.
• Contact your employee assistance program, if available.
• Contact your local public health or community resources that offer mental health services.
• Consider the following resources:
  • Canadian Mental Health Association
  • Government of Canada – Mental health support: Get help
  • Wellness Together Canada