Discriminated in China in the midst of COVID-19.

In recent developments, African’s residing in China have been victims of discrimination amongst Chinese citizens in the wake of COVID-19. Early in April, there had been online rumors stating that two Nigerians living in Southern China (Guangzhou) who had tested positive for the virus had escaped while under lockdown. This rumor sparked the widespread testing of African nationals by the health commission.

Many Africans have found themselves in mandated quarantine despite the fact that many haven’t traveled in months, show no symptoms and haven’t come into contact with anyone who had tested positive. This was true for Jay who teaches English in Guangzhou. Jay like many others have been told by Chinese landlords or officials that

“That’s what the government wanted. All Africans must be isolated at home’”.

There have been numerous videos online of Africans being barred from entering Branch supermarkets and restaurants. One specific video filmed at a McDonald’s shows an employee holding a sign that states “black people” cannot enter. The company later then apologized. This type of discrimination is ironic due to the raising discrimination against China’s own condemnation of racial attacks on ethnically Chinese people around the world as the coronavirus continues to spread.

Guangzhou in South China is home to one of Asia’s largest populations of Africans—many of them being traders. At least 15,000 nationals from Africa live in the city. Many Africans say they are facing a surge of hostility following rumors on social media that they were spreading the coronavirus.

This isn’t the first instance of racial discrimination amongst Africans residing in China but it has only gotten worse with the pandemic at hand.

Learn More:

ArticleOne:https://time.com/5820389/africans-guangzhou-china-coronavirus-discrimination/

Article Two:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52309414

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMIj1WCNLFg