Assessor Carmen Chu Condemns Racism, Fearmongering, and Misinformation Spurred by President Trump Calling COVID-19 the “Chinese Virus”

 *** PRESS STATEMENTS***

ASSESSOR CARMEN CHU CONDEMNS RACISM, FEARMONGERING, AND MISINFORMATION SPURRED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP CALLING COVID-19 THE “CHINESE VIRUS”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA --- Assessor Carmen Chu issued the following statement regarding President Donald Trump branding COVID-19 a “Chinese virus”.

“At this time of increasing distress, our community does not need the President fueling hatred and divisiveness. Since President Trump called COVID-19 the “Chinese virus,” the coronavirus has been negatively and unfairly linked to our Chinese and Asian communities. Unfortunately, fear and misinformation, rooted in racially insensitive stereotypes, have a real and detrimental impact on our communities, our safety, and our public health. Across the country, we have seen a rising number of hate crimes against Chinese and Asian Americans. That is why it is important for us to call out racism when we see it. The novel coronavirus is not a Chinese issue. It is a global issue. And it is an issue that we need to face together, united as one community.”