Mexico’s Medical Staffs Are Shunned by the Public
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lot of things, including which jobs are deemed most important. Hospitality and the I.T. industries which were considered as huge income-generating sectors not only for countries like Mexico but for countries all over the world are now at a standstill.
Millions from these important sectors were rendered unemployed. Those surviving are people working in grocery stores, bakeries and most importantly - hospitals.
Coronavirus fears make people fear front liners most
All over the world, millions of healthcare workers are applauded and praised for their bravery in battling the COVID-19. Huge companies such as Qatar Airways have shown their gratitude by giving complimentary tickets to health workers across the globe. In the U.S., McDonald's have been giving away free "Thank You Meals" to health workers during the pandemic.
In Mexico, there are no free meals or applause for the health workers, quite the opposite is happening. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, rumors have been spreading that the medical staff are to be blamed for Mexico's high COVID-19 death toll.
Harassment towards them is not only happening on the streets but even on social media. Trolls and bashers have pestered medical staff on their personal social media accounts accusing them of spreading the deadly virus.
Hugo Lopez-Gatell who is the Deputy Health Secretary and the COVID-19 response chief is at his wits with what is happening to the people who are saving the country from this pandemic. He said that is it quite alarming that the public are pouring their anger and hatred towards the wrong people.
In the small town of Merida, Yucatan, a nurse was attacked as she was leaving the hospital. An unknown individual drove past her and threw hot coffee at her while shouting "Infected!" and sped away. In her 40 years of service, she has never seen such a hateful response to her line of work. She believes that people are not properly informed of the virus and are responding to false news spreading online.
Another nurse from Guadalajara had somebody throw bleach at her while she was walking on the street with her dogs. She was not working in a COVID-19 unit but since she was wearing her medical uniform, she instantly became a victim of hate.
Just recently residents have protested in front of a hospital in Mexico in attempts to rescue a particular patient. The locals believe that the coronavirus was just a conspiracy used by the government to eradicate people.
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Health workers fear for their lives
Harassment against health workers is still on the rise and most medical staff are even considering throwing their uniforms or simply starting wearing normal civilian clothes on their way to work and back home. There are even some cases of nurses being denied public transport use. Several others are being sprayed with acid and are having their homes attacked and vandalized.
An official from the Mexican Social Security Institute has pleaded to the public to stop discrimination against health workers and that the safety of the country depends on these medical workers.