Maria Memon, the famous Pakistani newscaster and journalist, has tested positive for coronavirus. She took to social media to disclose the news, and to address the stigma associated with the disease.
The journalist, newscaster, and anchorperson is currently working for ARY News on the show Sawaal Yeh Hai. Maria has a degree in software engineering from Hamdard University, however, she decided to pursue her career in media. She has been honored with many achievements and awards. In 2017 the journalist received the Speaker’s Democracy Award by the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.
Maria Memon, who started her career alongside Najam Sethi on GEO English, took to social media to share her story. She said,
2 days ago, I felt mild symptoms & immediately got myself tested for covid19. Results are here, I am positive & currently self isolating. It is very imp to discourage social stigma related to Covid. Be socially responsible. Isolate , get tested & let people know abt ur condition
2 days ago, I felt mild symptoms & immediately got myself tested for covid19. Results are here, I am positive & currently self isolating. It is very imp to discourage social stigma related to Covid. Be socially responsible. Isolate , get tested & let people know abt ur condition
— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) May 30, 2020
She also posted a video where she pointed out that people either don’t get themselves tested and if they do, they hide the results from others. Memon believes there should be no shame in sharing the news if one tests positive for COVID19.
Let’s take a look at the video:
Really overwhelmed by everyone’s concern & warmth. Thank you
I did my regular show ( from home) today.
There should be no social stigma around COVID. pic.twitter.com/anSePP7kGr
— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) May 30, 2020
The majority of the people came to her support and wished her a speedy recovery and further endorse her message.
Wishing you a speedy recovery Maria ! Sending lots of love and prayers 💕 GWS
— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) May 30, 2020
Brave to announce publicly. Will definitely help raise awareness and end the social stigma around #covid19 #coronavirus patients. #GetWellSoon and #TakeCare
— Raza Haroon رضا ہارون (@mrazaharoon) May 30, 2020
Get well soon dear Maria.
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) May 30, 2020
Absolutely Right.May ALLAH give you good health early.Amin.
— Masood Akhtar Saleemi (@globetrading200) May 30, 2020
While others raised some concerns:
Ppl are hiding it or not going for test because the way govt. is handling the patients (general public), They are not allowing them to self isolate at homes.
— Zohaib (@zohaibte) May 30, 2020
#coronavirus is full of contradictions as far as its @WHO sponsored SOP is concerned. People fear of hospitals and doctors. They are reluctant to go to hospitals even for other diseases. Hospitals also don't care about people suffering from other diseases. Trust deficit.
— Arif Yousafzai (@journalist11) May 31, 2020
The first step to ending this pandemic begins by accepting it as a serious disease, and by following all the SOPs laid down by health experts. If tested positive; one should let their relatives and coworkers know, to save them from any harm in the future.
We wish Maria Memon a speedy recovery and hope the public hears her message loud and clear.
Have anything to add? Let us know in the comments section.
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