Editor's Note: COVID-19 is creating many problems and uncertainties in China and around the world. Nicholas Rosellini, UN Resident Coordinator in China, shares his views with CGTN on the world's response to the epidemic and some of the discriminatory rhetorics and behaviors against Chinese people. The views expressed in the video are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of CGTN.
CGTN: How do you view the effectiveness of travel restrictions in combating the spread of the virus?
Rosellini: The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, while at the same time saying that this does not mean there should be travel or trade restrictions. But clearly, many countries have imposed travel restrictions, and even some countries have imposed some trade restrictions, which is not in line with the WHO's advice.
At the same time, of course, if these actions are taken on a very targeted and limited duration, they may help to reduce transmission. But the idea is that these actions should not be prolonged and they should be across the board. They should not stigmatize or discriminate against groups of people just by their passport color.
CGTN: There have been incidents of discrimination against the Chinese people outside of China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Do you think something deeper than the fear of the virus could be behind such cases?
Rosellini: I sincerely hope not. I've seen some of the news and the videos that you mentioned. What the UN secretary-general has said is that we should all, at this very difficult time, act in a way that shows compassion and shows solidarity. And I think there's evidence of that as well. I've seen also many videos of schools and communities voicing their support and their solidarity with the people of China at this time.
So I think there are some evidence of people panicking and maybe behaving irrationally. But my sincere hope is that actually we come together as an international community with China and do not discriminate and do not show stigma.
A community worker checks the body temperature of a resident on a street near the Yellow Crane Pavilion in Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China, on February 7, 2020. /Xinhua Photo
CGTN: Do you have any specific policy advice for combatting this kind of discrimination?
Rosellini: I think generally whether it's China or internationally, one thing is to make sure that misleading information, fake news is dealt with quickly and efficiently. For example, WHO has been in contact with some of the big social media platforms, like Google and Facebook, to make sure that they prioritize in searches accurate information coming from accurate sources such as WHO. So I think the dealing with misleading information is very important.
I think another is information transparency. People tend to panic when they're not getting what they see as enough information, timely information. So I think, again, both for China and for the international community, other countries and so on, (the best way) is to be as transparent with the information as possible, and that can reduce the levels of concern. So I think certainly making sure the correct information is there, and making sure that the incorrect information is dealt with quickly.
CGTN: What would you like to say to the Chinese people at this moment?
Rosellini: I want to say that the international community is behind China. We admire the work that is being done by the emergency workers, by the health workers. And we have solidarity for the people of China, particularly those who are suffering at the moment, who are sick or who have lost friends or relatives. We stand behind you. 中国加油！
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