Case 15. Imagine if the response towards those who contract coronavirus was #empathy not stigma?

It’d make it easier for people to ask for help. To say, “hey I’ve tested positive for coronavirus and I have to self-isolate but I’ve run out of food, can you help?”

Imagine that

Case 15. Imagine if the media splashed front page stories encouraging readers to reach out (anonymously); publishing a list of what the person who has to self-isolate needs so that we, as their community, can support them?

Instead of framing them as villains?

Imagine that?

Case 15: Imagine knowing if you test positive for coronavirus and self-isolate, you can still call neighbors, family or friends and say:

“I feel so sick. I’m frightened and alone, pray with me or just talk to me... just be there”.

Imagine FEELING SAFE enough to ask for help?

Case 15: Because careless words cause harm and stigma... we make it so hard for those who contract the coronavirus to FEEL SAFE about disclosing it... we make them own a shame they don’t deserve, and internalize blame that shouldn’t even be there.

Tweet from a place of #empathy

Case 15: Imagine if someone who tests positive for the coronavirus could self-isolate and be able to SAFELY disclose on social media... and say “guys, I have no food, I love here, I’m alone, I can’t leave the house”

Wouldn’t we rally and help them? Wouldn’t we find food to send?

Case 15: I imagine we’d send help. If those who need it could trust us enough, trust that we care... if they can trust that they will not be blamed, not be shamed and not be shunned.

If you choose cruelty, you’ll make it NECESSARY for those who contract the virus to conceal it

Case 15: How we are responding, the accusatory tone, the finger-pointing, the shaming and blaming... we are telling those around us that if they have the misfortune of contracting this virus- they’re on their own.

Is this really how we are choosing to deal with #Covid19Zim

Case 15: Coronavirus will attack the bodies of those who contract it... but our words, our actions and the tone of our media... these things will attack something far more fundamental - our capacity to ASK FOR HELP, to FEEL SAFE and to BE SUPPORTED should the same happen to us.

Case 15: #Empathy