The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston hosted lunch Feb. 26 at the China Pearl to show support for local businesses. (Image courtesy of Yiming Zhao.)

The outbreak of Covid-19 has many people worried about dining out, especially in the Chinatown area. Business has suffered because of these public health concerns. To show support for local restaurants, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston hosted lunch Feb. 26 at the China Pearl in Boston with city officials and Chinese media outlets to send the message that it’s still safe to visit these local restaurants.

“We understand that the fear is there, but as a friend of the Chinatown community, we have to step up at this time. In Chinese, we call it ‘Huan Nan Jian Zhen Qing（患難見真情）’. I want to let the Chinatown community and Taiwanese community know that now is the time to spread correct information about coronavirus, instead of fear of the outbreak,” said TECO Director General Douglas Hsu.

Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Elizabeth Chen encouraged people to come to Chinatown and enjoy great meals with friends and family.

“Immigrants here rely on businesses. Please don’t be afraid. The risk is exceedingly low in Boston,” Chen said.