#IWillEatWithYou: Netizens Unite To Oppose The Boycott Of Asian Eateries Amid Coronavirus

To counter people's baseless fear of contracting the disease from such outlets, #IWillEatWithYou campaign has been trending on social media. In a bid to end the racism and xenophobia associated with coronavirus, the hashtag urges people to dine at Chinese restaurants.

The hashtag starting trending after an Australia-based community action organisation - GetUp! - asked its supporters: "Can you pledge #IWillEatWithYou & eat at an Asian restaurant to show your support?"

"Eat at a Chinese or Asian restaurant this month and post a photo with the hashtag #IWillEatWithYou to show support to Asian communities," the organisation said as part of its campaign.

"Despite doctors and experts saying there is nothing to fear, Chinese and Asian businesses are paying the price," the organisation said in an online post.

"A beloved restaurant in Melbourne that's been around for decades shut its doors. Restaurant owners across the country are reporting sales losses of up to 80 %. Many are forced to let staff go or cut their shifts," they added.

Last week Shark Fin House, a popular restaurant that has been operating since 1989 in Melbourne shut down following a loss of business from the coronavirus outbreak.

Many responded to GetUp's campaign and social media was soon flooded with images of people sharing their photos at Asian eateries. Several politicians and celebrities also joined in.

Recently, a popular Vietnamese restaurant Bia Hoi also showed a slump in its sales. Owner and chef Jerry Mai then appealed on social media for help.

"The industry that I love so much is in need of help - Chinatown and Glen Waverley are ghost towns right now, diners are staying away because of fears of illness. I'm putting my hand up - my businesses are suffering and I need help. Our Glen Waverley restaurant, Bia Hoi, is down 80%. Our cbd venues are also down by 50%," Mai said in his Instagram post last week.

But, as the #IWillEatWithYou campaign gained momentum, the restaurants sales rose.

Sharing his joy, he said in another post, "Thank you to all the amazing people that have come out to support us and many other Asian restaurants. The amount of people that have reached out have been phonomenal! Thanks to my amazing team their amazing work and understanding! Please keep coming out to eat."