PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 39 NO 20 MAY 16 – MAY 22, 2020 FREE 38 YEARS YOUR VOICE
New Health Directive: Wear face coverings in public By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY SEATTLE — Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, announced a new Health Officer Directive via an online news conference on May 11, strongly urging people to wear face coverings in all indoor public places, as well as outside settings where maintaining six feet of social distancing is difficult. This directive will go into effect on May 18 and remain in effect until rescinded by Duchin. “As we begin to get back to work, the threat of increasing COVID-19 transmission is serious,” said Duchin. “By wearing a face mask, we protect others from COVID-19 infection
and show that we care. Your mask protects me and my mask protects you.” While data on the effectiveness of face masks is inconclusive, Duchin said there are studies that show a face covering can help prevent the spread of infection to others by blocking droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks. “I’d much rather see people lock down their mouths and noses, than lock down their neighborhoods,” said Duchin. The Directive applies to both workers and patrons of grocery stores, pharmacies, big box stores, and other essential establishments, including pet supplies, auto repairs, and home improvement stores. Uwajimaya announced its own requirement, starting on May 11, see MASKS on 10
Trump tells Chinese American reporter to “Ask China” in response to a question By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY David Chan of Everett asked, “When can an Asian American reporter not be treated like a foreigner?” Chan emailed the Northwest Asian Weekly, pointing out President Donald Trump’s combative exchange on May 11 with CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang during a White House news briefing. Jiang had asked Trump why he was putting so much emphasis on the amount of coronavirus tests that have been conducted in the United States.
Just walking down the street, Joshua Lee felt rejected. People would move backwards or out of the way—even more than the standard six feet called for by social distancing. But standing see RACISM on 12
Port of Seattle denounces racism against Asians and Asian Americans
The Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) announced on May 7 that the annual Dragon Festival scheduled for June 27 is cancelled. “This was not an easy decision, but one that is necessary,” it said in an email to the Northwest Asian Weekly. For decades, Dragon Fest has remained one of Seattle’s largest cultural celebrations, with weekends filled with multicultural performances, small craft
In a unanimous vote, the Port of Seattle Commission passed a proclamation on May 12 rejecting racism against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. “The fact is that Asian Americans are professional foreigners,” said Commissioner Sam Cho. “We are perceived by the public as professional foreigners. The reality is that for some reason, Asians are never American enough.” May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month, but the AAPI community has very little to celebrate. The COVID-19 outbreak has claimed the lives of thousands of AAPIs and left millions more without a job. The origin of the COVID-19 virus has led to an increase in discrimination and racism against AAPIs. “The Port of Seattle Commission hereby proclaims that racism against Asians and Asian Americans shall not be tolerated in any form, AND we stand in support of individuals and communities targeted by association with COVID-19, AND we urge everyone to interrupt instances of racisms and intolerance by speaking up in support of equity, justice, and inclusion.”
see DRAGON FEST on 11
see PROCLAMATION on 4
d e l l e c n a c t s e F n o g Dra Photo by George Liu
By Mahlon Meyer NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
By Alexander Chan NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
see TRUMP on 3
■
How to disarm a racist onslaught
412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • editor@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com