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RES -2020 - 016 ( revised) <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br /> RESOLUTION DENOUNCING XENOPHOBIA IN COVID49 <br /> WHEREAS , since the outbreak of COVID49 , we have seen a surge in discriminatory rhetoric and <br /> violent attacks against Asian Americans across the country ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the perpetrators have been inspired by debunked conspiracy theories about the origin of the <br /> virus and how it spreads ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Orange County residents are understandably worried about the spread of COVID - 19 and are <br /> looking to us for guidance and reassurance ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the dissemination of false information about COVID49 is dangerous for the public health <br /> and for Orange County residents and others who may increasingly become the victims of racist and <br /> xenophobic attacks ; and <br /> WHEREAS , we have a responsibility during a public health crisis to use our unique platform to calm our <br /> residents ' fears , not stoke them ; and <br /> WHEREAS , pathogens and viruses do not discriminate based on any race or national origin ; and <br /> WHEREAS , stigmatizing part of our populace will not only be ineffective in preventing the spread of this <br /> virus , but will also breakdown trust and cause harm to our sense of community ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the sharing of inaccurate information or unconfirmed reports runs the risk of increasing fears <br /> and inciting violence ; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North <br /> Carolina do hereby encourage all residents of Orange County to share only confirmed and verifiable <br /> information provided by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease <br /> Control and Prevention , the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public <br /> Health and the Orange County Public Health Department, to ensure that it is accurate and does not stoke <br /> unfounded fears . <br /> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Orange County encourages Orange <br /> County residents to denounce any racist and xenophobic rhetoric targeting members of our community <br /> and ensure that we act swiftly to condemn and address violent racism and mitigate any economic loss , <br /> rooted in fear and misinformation . <br /> th <br /> This the 10 day of March, 2020 . <br /> Penny Rich, Chair, <br /> Orange County Board of <br /> Commissi <br /> oners oners <br />