The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a guide to address stigma associated with COVID-19. COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency that is causing a stressful and a difficult time for everyone. During this crisis, rumours and misinformation create more stress and can hamper COVID-19 recovery. Why is there Stigma? Stigma associated with COVID-19 is based on three main factors: Lack of adequate information Fear of the disease Rumours or misinformation People facing Stigma and Discrimination: People detected with COVID-19, their families /caregivers / friends People under quarantine and their families Frontline health care providers like doctors, nurses, paramedics, eld workers, hospital sta and sanitation workers etc. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 Migrant workers Effects of Stigma and Discrimination: People concealing symptoms Hesitancy in seeking medical care People not adhering to interventions like home quarantine Increased sense of emotional isolation, feeling of guilt and anxiety Lack of self-esteem and confidence Ostracisation of healthcare workers and others involved in COVID-19 management Worsening of pre-existing psychiatric illness such as depression These may lead to COVID-19 cases not being reported, or reported late, making management of the outbreak more difficult. Diversion from the required preventive measures which need to be undertaken. Things to know about COVID-19: Although COVID-19 is highly contagious, we can protect ourselves by following preventive measures such as physical distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing a face cover / mask. Despite precautions, if a person contracts COVID-19, it is not his/her fault. Anyone is susceptible to contracting the disease, no one needs to be blamed. In situations of distress, the patient and the family need support and cooperation. Be a well-wisher to those in isolation/ quarantine and their families. Testing, isolation and quarantine are meant to protect the family and community. Celebrate persons who have recovered from COVID-19 as WINNERS. They do not have the virus & there is no risk of transmission. Tips to reduce stigma related to COVID-19: Be appreciative and supportive of efforts made by frontline workers Verify the information from a reliable source such as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s website, before sharing or forwarding the same Share positive stories of those who have recovered from COVID-19 Don’t spread name, identity, locality of persons affected or under quarantine Don’t spread misinformation Don’t label any individual, group or area for spread of COVID-19 Source : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare