Kankakee County Health issues statement Asian Americans, Coronavirus

Earlier this morning, the Kankakee County Health Department issued a statement on preventing the spread of Coronavirus via their Facebook Page. 

The Heath Department is advising the same steps you’d take to prevent the spread of the Flu towards the Coronavirus, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

The Kankakee County Health Department also added a note in the post regarding stigma towards Asian Americas and discrimination during times of the concern. 

“Some people are understandably worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma towards Chinese or other Asian Americans. Stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate an infectious 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.”

-Kankakee County Health Department via Facebook

You can read the full statement below or on their Facebook page: