Mississauga mayor assures public it is safe to eat at Chinese restaurants

The recent outbreak of coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, has already claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people worldwide, infected hundreds and disrupted everyday life in various countries.

But an unfortunate by-product of the Covid-19 outbreak has been fear and discrimination towards members of the Chinese community in Canada, as the virus was reported to have originated in China’s Wuhan province.

This attitude is reminiscent of the irrational discrimination the Chinese community faced during the SARS crisis a decade or so ago. Even one Asian themed restaurant, Wuhan Noodle in Markham, reported that business had decreased because their name is associated with the virus.

Paramount Fine Foods founder Mohamad Faikh and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti made public visits to Wuhan Noodle to demonstrate there was nothing to be concerned about from eating Chinese food. Following that example, local politicians in Mississauga and members of the Chinese business community came together to support Chinese businesses.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, along with some city councillors, recently toured some Chinese restaurants in the city, such as Foodie North and Emerald Chinese Restaurant with members of the Mississauga Chinese Business Association (MCBA). 

Thank you Mayor and the Councillors for your support to our business community!
Your real action speaks louder than words! Our heartfelt appreciation!#coronavirus #MCBA #Chinesebussiness https://t.co/ch13ALNzzw

— Mcba (@McbaCanada) February 20, 2020

“We can’t let fears and misconceptions about coronavirus affect local business. There are no reported cases in Peel. Please eat local and show your support for the MCBA’s Spend to Win campaign,” Crombie tweeted.

The Spend to Win campaign’s purpose is to show support for Chinese business community from February 14 to March 31. Customers who spend more than $30.00 at any participating establishment will be eligible to win round trip tickets courtesy of Air Canada, or $500 gift cards. Participating businesses and restaurants are scattered throughout the GTA, with places from Mississauga such as Emerald, Summit Garden Chinese restaurant and Foodie North participating in the contest.Another event, known as Asialicious, highlights Asian cuisine from more than 100 restaurants with gift cards and prizes being offered as well. Asialicious runs from February 14 to February 28. 

Nevertheless, even with such contests running, there is currently no reputable organization stating any cause of Covid-19 being linked to eating at a Chinese restaurant.

The few cases in Ontario have been isolated and quarantined accordingly.

Will you be dining out a bit more at Chinese restaurants?