Marin HHS and MCOE Joint Statement Against Discrimination in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

February 18th, 2020 - 12:03pm

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak, recently named COVID-19. It is important to note the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 locally remains low. However, we understand that students, staff, and faculty may be impacted by worry and fear. We want to remind you that College of Marin Psychological Services are available for students seeking support. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (415) 485-9649.

College of Marin students, faculty, staff, and community members are asked to actively foster an appreciation for diversity by not tolerating bias-related acts. We want anyone who experiences acts of bias, harassment, or discrimination to feel safe and know their rights. While it is our hope that you never have to use them, the College has several ways to report incidents and receive support.

Emergency: dial 911
Campus Police Non-emergency: (415) 485-9455
COM CARE Team: Submit a COM CARE Report (log in to the MyCOM Portal and click COM CARE under the Quick Links column on the left) or call the Student Activities and Advocacy Office at (415) 485-9376.  
Counseling/Psychological Services: (415) 485-9649

The following joint statement against discrimination from Marin County Department of Health and Human Services and Marin County Office of Education encourages compassion and unity during this stressful time. (en español abajo)

County of Marin Joint Statement Against Discrimination in COVID-19 Response (PDF)

Declaración conjunta del Condado de Marin contra la discriminación en respuesta al COVID-19 (PDF)

 

[PDFs Transcribed Below] 

Contact: Department of Health and Human Services, (415) 473-4163

County of Marin Joint Statement Against Discrimination in COVID-19 Response

The spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a global health emergency and a national health emergency in the United States. This is a serious and rapidly developing situation, affecting thousands of people worldwide. As the virus spreads beyond its origins in Wuhan, China, we must model a balanced, proactive and informed response.

In Marin County, a person’s risk for the illness is based mainly on where they, or someone they have had close contact with, have traveled. There is no racial, ethnic or cultural basis for the disease. Yet, we know that bias is already surfacing. Members of the Asian community, especially the Chinese community, have been subjected to discrimination and exclusion, in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States.

News media are reporting from around the world stories of hostility and discrimination toward Chinese customers and students, and insults hurled in person and on social media. This is unacceptable and harmful. This is a common and unfortunate societal response to epidemics, and we must do better.

We know that racial, ethnic and cultural discrimination cause bad health outcomes. In the case of an emerging illness, stigma about the illness makes people less likely to come forward, to seek help or ask questions. That makes it harder to fight the disease and protect community health.

Public health authorities at the local, state, and federal level are taking action to protect our community. Currently, the best way to prevent the spread of disease is to practice consistent hand washing, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, stay home if you are sick, and get a flu shot. Most masks do not effectively prevent against infection, but if you are sick, wearing a mask can help keep you from infecting others.

Let’s come together with compassion and unity during this stressful time. It’s good for our health.

More information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health
Marin HHS

 

Contacto: Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos: (415) 473-4163

Declaración conjunta del Condado de Marin contra la discriminación en respuesta al COVID-19

La propagación del nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19) ha sido declarada una emergencia de salud global y una emergencia de salud nacional en los Estados Unidos. Esta es una situación grave y de rápido desarrollo, que afecta a miles de personas en todo el mundo. A medida que el virus se propaga más allá de sus orígenes en Wuhan, China, debemos modelar una respuesta equilibrada, proactiva e informada.

En el condado de Marin, el riesgo de una persona de contraer la enfermedad se basa principalmente en dónde el/ella ha viajado o alguien con quien ha tenido contacto cercano. No existe una base racial, étnica o cultural para la enfermedad. Sin embargo, sabemos que la discriminación ya está surgiendo. Los miembros de la comunidad asiática, especialmente la comunidad china, han sido objeto de discriminación y exclusión en Asia, Europa, Australia y los Estados Unidos.

Los medios de comunicación informan sobre historias de hostilidad y discriminación de todo el mundo hacia clientes y estudiantes chinos, e insultos en persona y en las redes sociales. Esto es inaceptable y dañino. Esta es una respuesta social común y desafortunada a las epidemias, y debemos hacerlo mejor.

Sabemos que la discriminación racial, étnica y cultural causa malos resultados de salud. En el caso de una enfermedad emergente, el estigma sobre la enfermedad hace que las personas sean menos propensas a presentarse, buscar ayuda o hacer preguntas. Eso hace que sea más difícil combatir la enfermedad y proteger la salud de la comunidad.

Las autoridades de salud pública a nivel local, estatal y federal están tomando medidas para proteger a nuestra comunidad. Actualmente, la mejor manera de prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad es practicar en forma consistente el lavado de manos, toser o estornudar en la manga, quedarse en casa si está enfermo y vacunarse contra la gripe. La mayoría de las máscaras no previenen eficazmente contra la infección, pero si está enfermo, usar una máscara puede ayudar a evitar que infecte a otros.

Unámonos con compasión y solidaridad durante este momento estresante. Es bueno para nuestra salud.

Más información:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health
Marin HHS