A Disappointing Consequence of the Coronavirus

In an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus three schools in the UK have closed for deep cleaning, most people would understand and not consider that this to be particularly strange. However, the letters sent to the parents of the pupils specifically mentioned the justification behind this action being the Italian origin of some of the pupils. This somewhat surprising explanation was, to some degree justified as some pupils had returned from holidays in the areas in Italy that have been particularly badly affected and the schools, given that the coronavirus appears to spread quickly amongst large groups of people, were attempting to prevent an avoidable outbreak. 

The Italian Embassy diplomatically stated that they felt the discriminatory tone to the communication sent out by the schools was merely due to the haste with which the notification was drafted and not intended to cause offence; pointing out that the British government has not suggested that areas, where there may be Italians, should receive any more cleansing than usual. There has been no suggestion that any of the pupils have been infected by the coronavirus. 

It will be a grave consequence of the coronavirus if people of any particular nationality whose country has been struck by the virus received discriminatory treatment due to such a random factor. Demonising any particular group or nationality due to the coronavirus should be avoided at all costs.