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Abstract

South Asian (SA) communities in Ontario, Canada experienced disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 infection. Moreover, these communities also faced racism fueled by COVID-19-related misinformation and xenophobic sentiments that placed blame on them for virus transmission. The aim of this research was to understand, from the perspective of local SA communities, the causes behind higher incidences of COVID-19. SA adults (N = 25) participated in a focus group (N = 3) investigating experiences during the early stages of the pandemic. Data, interpreted through the lens of the Public Health Critical Race Praxis, suggest that the structural determinants of health, alongside racism and xenophobia, negatively impacted health outcomes for these communities. By not taking an active anti-racist stance, media, health and government authorities were viewed as perpetuating discriminatory narratives and practices, fueling blame and stigma towards these South Asian communities for COVID-19 transmission. Local public health policies, practices and communications were perceived to be informed by, and best serve, white Anglo-European settlers. This research provides insight into the role that health officials can play in addressing local and regional discrimination and stigma to promote equity-centered disease prevention efforts. Our findings should be integral to current and ongoing research and action related to pandemic preparedness.