In Japan, pandemic brings outbreaks of bullying, ostracism japantoday.com

By MARI YAMAGUCHIThe coronavirus in Japan has brought not just an epidemic of infections, but also an onslaught of bullying and discrimination against the sick, their families and health workers.
A government campaign to raise awareness seems to be helping, at least for medical workers.
“It was as if I was a criminal,” Kadono said in an interview from her home in Himeji, western Japan, after ending her three-week hospitalization.
“We understand people’s fears, but medical workers are doing their utmost to prevent infections at hospitals.
Some places in Japan have begun following the examples set in Europe and elsewhere of sending messages of appreciation and praising medical workers and others in essential jobs.