Filipinos experience discrimination in Italy amid nCoV scare

Some Filipinos who are mistaken for Chinese are experiencing discrimination in Italy amid the threat of the novel coronavirus, which has killed over 500 people in China and infected thousands.

According to a report by GMA News stringer Pia Gonzales-Abucay on Unang Balita on Thursday, the discrimination started after Italy confirmed its first two coronavirus infection.

Brandon Diaz, who is based in Rome, was attacked by four men who told him Chinese nationals should leave Italy. The 22-year-old Filipino sustained bruises on his head and body.

Diaz has already reported the incident to the Philippine Embassy.

Nolasco Sta. Isabel, who has been residing in Rome for over 30 years, said people in public transport were keeping their distance from him.

In a Facebook post of Linda Reyes Gregorio, she shared an experience when she lost her composure and told discriminatory people that she and her companions were not Chinese but actually Filipinos.

A Chinese couple are the first two cases of nCoV infection in Italy. They are being treated in Spallanzani Hospital, a health facility that specializes on infectious diseases and viruses.

The number of cases of nCoV infection in China, which started in Wuhan City, has reached 28,018 nationwide as of February 6. Aside from countries in Europe, the virus has spread to other territories in Asia Pacific Region as well as to countries in North America and Middle East. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News