Without specifically mentioning former President Donald Trump's regular use of "the China virus" to describe the coronavirus, the order says the federal government has contributed to "xenophobic sentiments" in the country. "Executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that official actions, documents, and statements, including those that pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic, do not exhibit or contribute to racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders," the order reads.
Specifically, it seeks to ensure their actions and the language used in official documents and statements don't contribute to racism. The order is aimed at federal agencies, not the general public. Order doesn't mention 'Wuhan virus' or 'China virus' While some argue the order banned all unofficial terms for the coronavirus, such as "Wuhan virus" or "China virus," a closer look shows it doesn't mention or ban the use of those specifically. USA TODAY reached out to the poster for comment.įact check: Image falsely claims to show Harris and Pelosi sleeping during Biden's speech to Congress The social media post refers to an executive order on racial equality Biden signed on Jan. 26, which called on federal agencies to ensure official actions and statements don't contribute to racist and xenophobic attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Within a week, the image shared by Freedom Fights, a Facebook page associated with conservative organization Turning Point USA, had received almost 600 comments and 1,100 reactions.
"Biden signs executive order banning federal use of the words 'Wuhan virus' to describe the Corona Virus," says the caption of one image shared April 21.
Watch Video: COVID-19 hate crime bill to protect Asian Americans passes Senate The claim: A Biden executive order prohibits federal use of "Wuhan virus" to describe COVID-19įacebook posts claiming one of President Joe Biden's first executive orders prohibits the use of "Wuhan virus" to describe the coronavirus resurfaced across social media as the president approached his 100th day in office.