City Council adopts resolution supporting Chinese and Asian communities during COVID-19 epidemic

This week the Council voted to adopt a resolution expressing public support and empathy for the Chinese and Asian community during the “COVID-19” epidemic, also known as the coronavirus.

The resolution noted that since the spread of COVID-19, there have been many reports of racism and discrimination against Chinese and Asian communities in the United States and around the world.

Boston has experienced a steep decline in business for Chinatown restaurants and shops. The Council, Mayor and various organizations have put together lunches and initiatives to encourage people to shop in Chinatown. In February, Councilors Wu and Flynn hosted a brunch at China Pearl in Chinatown to show support for neighborhood small businesses that have been hit hard by fears and discrimination around the coronavirus.

As it stands, there have only been two cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Councilor Flynn's office continues to meet with Chinatown and South End residents in various housing developments to provide updated and accurate medical information on the virus, including a list of precautions on how to prevent the virus.

During this week's Council meeting, Councilors O'Malley, Wu and Flynn called an order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston's preparedness on the risk of contracting coronavirus.