A coalition of Asian American groups in Los Angeles County are speaking out against a rise in racist incidents targeting Asian Americans due to the coronavirus.
ABC7 news reports bullies in San Fernando Valley beat up a 16-year-old boy simply because they thought he might have the coronavirus.
Doctors had to conduct an MRI to ensure the boy did not suffer a concussion.
“A young person was bullied in his middle school, physically attacked, accused of having the coronavirus simply because he was Asian American,” said Manjusha Kulkarni of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council said at a news conference, according to ABC7.
The LA County School District says it is sending out information to the families of some 2 million children advising there is minimal risk of contacting the virus and there is no need for excessive fear.
14,000 people have died of the flu in the United States this season, according to NBC News. So far only 15 people nationwide in the US have contracted the coronavirus.
Coronavirus originated in China, but has nothing to do with being Asian.
“Anyone that discriminates in that manner and puts out false information should be investigated,” CBS News reported L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis said. “And I understand the FBI is launching an investigation.”
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