Fikirlah: Don’t ostracise former Covid-19 patients

COVID-19 | Malaysians are repeatedly uttering and sharing the Kita Jaga Kita slogan on their social media platforms to stand united in their fight against Covid-19.

But to what extent is this slogan being used in support of Covid-19 patients who have recovered from the disease?

While Kita Jaga Kita echoes the Ministry of Health’s reminder to the public to wear their face mask, use a hand sanitiser and practice physical distancing, it must be brought to the people’s attention that the slogan also applies to helping former Covid-19 patients to get back to their normal lives.

The public must understand that recoverees who are tested negative for Covid-19 cannot possibly infect others and, as such, they should not be ostracised by society.

“The stigma attached to former Covid-19 patients is more painful for me to bear than the disease itself,” lamented a 37-year-old former patient who only wanted to be identified as Zulaika...