Table 2 Themes and Sub-themes

Contributing factors to stigmatization and discrimination

Fear of death

Fear of infection

Public health measures: lockdown, public announcements, and putting red flags

COVID-19 testing exacerbates the process of stigma

Experiences of stigma and discrimination

Labeling and blaming

Social disconnectedness and ostracization

Non-cooperation from colleagues and close ones

Internalized stigma

Strategies to combat stigma and discrimination

Social support and connectivity

Corona as a treatable disease

Access to testing and mass vaccination

Monitoring news media