The Stigma Faced by COVID-19 Survivors

COVID-19 survivors in Indonesia still face poor treatment from those around them. This condition is reflected in a survey conducted by Lapor Covid-19 in collaboration with the Social Intervention Interest Group of the Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia. The survey, which involved 181 respondents, was dominated by healthcare workers.

More than half, or 55.3%, of COVID-19 survivor respondents admitted to being the subject of gossip or discussion. Meanwhile, 33.2% and 24.9% of respondents felt shunned or ostracized and labeled as spreaders of the coronavirus. Even 4.4% were denied access to public facilities and left without assistance.

The stigma against COVID-19 survivors can have detrimental effects on pandemic management. It can discourage people from getting tested for COVID-19 and concealing their health status. The government needs to intervene by correcting rumors and implementing regulations and sanctions against those who discriminate.

The government continues to promote the 3M movement to curb the spread of COVID-19. The public needs to get used to washing their hands with soap, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distance.