Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Chinatown Officials Warn Of Rise In Coronavirus-Related Anti-Asian Xenophobia
By
Sophia Chang
Published Mar 10, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Gothamist
By
Sophia Chang
Published Mar 10, 2020
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
City officials are warning of a rise in "xenophobic hysteria" against Asians as the number of novel coronavirus cases increases in New York.
"The virus is colorblind," said Councilmember Margaret Chin at a press conference in Chinatown Monday. "Discrimination against any particular group is unjustifiable."
Chin said misinformation and rumors have created "division, panic and hatred in our community" and "as a result Asian New Yorkers and small businesses have been bearing the brunt of increasing anxiety."
"We are actually facing two different viruses. We are facing not just the coronavirus, but we are also facing an epidemic of anti-Asian sentiment. We've seen reports of Asian Americans being attacked all throughout New York as a result of unfounded xenophobic fears," said Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou at the press conference.
Niou recounted some recent attacks including an incident where "a woman wearing a face mask was called a diseased whore and assaulted in some way." Other recent reported attacks include this viral video of a man apparently being sprayed with Febreze on a subway car.
Niou pointed out that "we have not yet even confirmed a case of the coronavirus in our communities. And yet, we are undergoing this kind of treatment even though every single one of our restaurants -- even though every single one of our businesses -- has the same safety inspections, commercial standards and health codes as anyone else. But people continue to spread messages, urging others to avoid Asian American restaurants or businesses."
"And people continue to demonize us. You know, even my own office has gotten calls saying that we eat bats," she added.
Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has weighed in on the rise of anti-Asian racism on its tip sheet: "People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19."
Some restaurants in New York's multiple Chinatown districts have said their business has dropped precipitously since the beginning of the year.
Empty tables at the Taiwan Pork Chop House on Doyers Street in Manhattan.
Gothamist
This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that businesses with less than 100 employees that show a decrease in sales of up to 25 percent would be eligible for no-interest loans of as much as $75,000. Those with under five employees could receive grants of up to $6,000 to help with payroll.
Chin reminded everyone in the city to exercise proper guidance:
"We continue to urge New Yorkers to stay alert and practice proper safe hygiene. If you're sick you stay home, you don't go to work you don't go to school. Even if you don't speak English or have a doctor you can seek medical attention from the city," she said. "Facts are our best defense."
Tagged
asian americans
COVID-19
Chinatown
Sophia Chang
Sophia Chang is a former WNYC and Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .