Message from the Mayor: The Social Stigma of Covid

Have you noticed that no one is talking about it? Have you seen an individual not wearing a mask and think that you are witnessing the next Covid positive case swelling the numbers and perhaps being a silent carrier? We seem to retreat more, socially, when masked up in public. Even our imagination seems to promulgate with derisive declaration that this lingering viral affliction will just not retire into obscurity.

The CDC (The Center of Disease Control) defines a stigma as “discrimination against an identifiable group of people a place or a nation.” The unfortunate genesis of this mindset is due to a lack of knowledge and understanding particularly about the Covid-19 virus.

As anger, fear and anxiety mount for the multitude of the population, the level of stress dramatically increases. A common thread here is to blame others and churn up the rumor mill about spreading disease and death. That said one may observe all sorts of negative attitudes and stereotyping (then depression) about how we conduct our lives. This will inevitably foment widespread discrimination. Even self-quarantine from home isolation can significantly push the social stigma envelope.

A personal story

Being very careful at my work and Borough Hall I figured it was just a matter of time before my name came up for the vaccine (I was on two waiting lists).

While on the phone at work with a customer, my senior service person came to my cubicle and stated that he was going home early with some stomach discomfort. Neither one of us were masked up for that brief few minutes. Well, a few evenings later he called me with the news that he tested positive. I never made the connection that his stomach discomfort was a Covid symptom. Within hours, my throat felt sore and I was getting the chills coupled with a mild headache.

Next morning, I went to my Doctor and sure enough I tested positive. Later that week two more of my employees also tested positive. We sent the other service technician home to self-quarantine after he tested negative. Masks are worn (and often times gloves are worn) when seeing customers. We now had no available service technicians to perform the calls for almost two weeks. Now I can understand how one’s imagination can run unchecked and even challenge how we monitor our personal health care- a real paradigm shift in thinking – and all due to a brief lapse of protection. Truly, a barnacle on the hull of common sense!

The treatment (and care)

My Doctor told me that I was a candidate for an infusion which was waiting for me at RWJ-Somerset Medical. This FDA authorized Monoclonal Antibodies treatment was administered intravenously (IV).

Back home, I was confined to my bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Much preparation went into my convalescence. Along with constant cleaning and disinfecting, meal preparation, the many household chores, my wife, Barbara stepped up once again (as she did at work) to provide all that was necessary. It is interesting to note the things that we do not think about in this type of scenario. For instance – I needed separate towels, soap, toothpaste, etc. to properly protect her from getting infected. Yes, I considered keeping our toothbrushes in the holder “socially distanced.”

Is there a Nobel out there for those who pick up the reins without complaining? I certainly hope so.

For the many others who found themselves suddenly having to care for the infirm – you are also the unsung special heroes in my book. Thank you all and please be safe.

Hope you had a very happy Easter,
Mayor John L. Madden