Coronavirus: Police investigate horrific racist letter blaming Asian business owner for virus

The hate mail was posted first class to 55-year-old Phil Tu, the owner of the Lucky Star Chinese takeaway in Denmead.

Mr Tu, who moved to the UK from Vietnam when he was 15, told The News he was ‘stunned’ by the letter – which calls Chinese nationals ‘filthy rotten yellow scumbags’ and accuses them of killing and eating ‘our English dogs’.

It goes on to say Mr Tu is ‘the reason there is coronavirus in the UK’.

Staff at the next-door Grandeur Beauty Salon were also told to ‘go back to China too’, leading the salon’s English-Chinese manager, Ivy Ho, to pass the letter to the police.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary are working with local Chinese communities to address the crime.

He said: ‘We received a report on 11 March of a letter sent to a business in Denmead linked to speculation about coronavirus.

‘Any crime perpetuated through ignorance, prejudice or hate is unacceptable.

‘We are working with our partners and the local Chinese communities and we would encourage everyone to report incidents to us either by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

‘Reports can also be made online on the Hampshire Constabulary website, through True Vision or using the growing network of Third Party Reporting Centres for hate crime.’

SEE ALSO: Here are the symptoms of coronavirus to watch out for

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting 44200092531.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Should I avoid public places?

Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS