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Joe Biden Set To Ban Calling Covid The 'China Virus'

Joe Biden Set To Ban Calling Covid The 'China Virus'

He is ordering a review of xenophobic language in federal documents

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

Joe Biden could be set to ensure that the term 'China virus' - which Donald Trump used for Covid-19 - is banned from use in government documents, CBS News reports.

The Biden transition team and White House Domestic Policy Council have been preparing executive orders aiming to remove racially offensive language following a surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Between March 2020 and the end of December, advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate said there were more than 2,800 self-reported hate incidents.

These ranged from racial slurs, to physical violence, even involving acid and knife attacks.

Biden immediately set out to reverse Trump's policies.
PA

The Biden executive order is also expected to ensure agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) will look into any xenophobic references to coronavirus.

According to CBS, although no specific references to the term 'China virus' were found, it's likely that any such language that singles out races or countries will be ordered to be removed.

Cynthia Choi, executive director of Stop AAPI Hate, said: "The idea that the president of the United States is not going to be hostile and not be a super spreader of hate is incredible.

"I hope this order reverses the damage caused under the Trump administration, which used federal dollars and resources to create a hostile climate and led to backlash directed toward our community."

Back in July 2020, Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on China and its government.

During a press conference, Trump said he holds the country 'fully responsible' for the way the pandemic has played out in the world.

He said: "Make no mistake. We hold China fully responsible for concealing the virus and unleashing it upon the world. They could have stopped it, they should have stopped it.

"It would have been very easy to do at the source, when it happened."

PA

Trump has accused and attacked China over the pandemic and claimed the country could have prevented Covid-19 from spreading around the globe.

Even when he left his presidency last week, he used the inflammatory term.

He said: "We've done a lot. There's still things to do. First thing we have to do is pay our respects and love to the incredible people and families who suffered so gravely from the China virus.

"It's a horrible thing that was put onto the world. We all know where it came from, but it's a horrible, horrible thing, so be very careful. Be very, very careful."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: US News, Politics