Don't discriminate against Hubei people

Since central China's Hubei province lifted the outbound travel restrictions on cities excluding Wuhan last week, many local migrant workers have begun seeking employment outside the province. This is a necessary step signaling life is returning to normal after being disrupted by the novel coronavirus outbreak.

However, some outbound travelers from Hubei have encountered bias and discrimination in various forms. People from Hubei have even been denied access and turned away from some places.

Yet some places still regard people from Hubei as potential sources of transmission, and try to make all kinds of excuses to discourage them to live or work there, even if these people have already tested all-clear for the virus.

That has sparked calls for an end to discrimination against Hubei people. Tens of millions of people in Hubei, especially Wuhan, were forced to sacrifice their freedom of movement for the national fight against the coronavirus. Those who have treated Hubei people with discrimination and bias should feel ashamed.

At present, the resumption of work and speeding up of production tops the agenda of both the central and local governments. The healthy and orderly flow and movement of people nationwide constitutes an important part of this work.

Before the outbreak, Hubei contributed some 6 million laborers for other provinces, especially manufacturing hubs in the southeastern coastal areas. And Hubei people could help ease the labor-shortage that plagues many localities in the wake of the epidemic.

Hence, governments at different levels should step up efforts to ensure people from Hubei are not discriminated against while seeking jobs elsewhere. They need to implement favorable policies and enhance coordination for Hubei people to receive equal and fair treatment outside their hometown.

The discrimination against people from Hubei, especially Wuhan, which was the epicenter of the outbreak in China, stems from people's fear that they will bring the virus with them.

But such fear and concerns are unnecessary as the coronavirus risk evaluation for all the other cities and counties in Hubei aside from Wuhan has been downgraded after no local cases were reported for days in the province. The lockdown on Wuhan is poised to end on April 8.

These decisions are made on the basis of science and facts. The authorities should take more concrete actions, as supporting measures to the unlocking of Hubei, to heal the psychological wounds inflicted by the virus on the public. The resumption of life and economy lies foremost in the recovery of people's minds.

It is our sincere hope that Hubei and Wuhan residents traveling elsewhere will be treated with respect, not discrimination.