March 26, 2020

How COVID-19 affects U.S.’s most vulnerable

topic:	Discrimination
located:	USA
editor:	Yair Oded

With President Donald Trump effectively abdicating leadership, and states competing over much needed resources, the United States has turned within week’s into one of the world's epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak. Governors issue conflicting orders regarding quarantines and public gatherings, the number of infections spikes, hospitals around the country become increasingly overwhelmed and under-equipped, and a growing sense of anxiety grips the population.

But as the nation scrambles to contain and tackle the pandemic, it is important to be mindful of the most vulnerable in our communities who haven’t the means to fend for themselves in these times of crisis. The virus may not be discriminatory in who it infects, but deep inequities in the U.S. all but guarantee that certain segments of the population have no access to crucial resources or the ability to sufficiently shield themselves and their loved ones in order to avoid contagion and survive the unfolding economic downfall. 

One such group is the elderly, many of whom depend on social welfare programs such as Meals on Wheels in order to survive. Under the circumstances, with people encouraged (or in some states - obligated) to practice social distancing, maintaining such programs, which were already slashed by the Trump White House, becomes increasingly difficult. Furthermore, as the virus appears to be particularly lethal to older people, shortages in medical supplies and the growing infection rates among doctors and caregivers places the elderly at an alarmingly high risk of mortality. 

People of low income background and racial minorities are also particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak, and can be expected to bear the brunt of its fallout. With already stilted access to services and resources, these demographics are now at a heightened risk of contracting the virus and failing to get adequate care. Prohibitive medical costs already prevent many of them from seeking treatment, something that is not expected to change in this crisis, with only testing being subsidised by the government. Furthermore, many low income families depend on school meal programs to feed their children; with schools being closed, such programs are not available for the time being. 

Undocumented immigrants also constitute an incredibly high risk group, as they are both persecuted by the authorities on a regular basis and are largely ignored in discussions about relief and support. Fearing detention and deportation, many undocumented immigrants opt not to seek medical care, thus increasing the risk of contagion and mortality in their communities and cities. 

Prisoners, including those detained in immigration facilities across the country, are also extremely vulnerable in this crisis. Crammed in dense jail facilities, prisoners cannot abide by the recommended social distancing guidelines, and often lack access to quality nutrition or medical services. 

In a video conference call with presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) stated that, “Basically, what coronavirus has done is poured gasoline on every slow-rolling crisis that we have been experiencing in the United States and just set it on fire, for everyone, all at once.”

Both Sanders and Ocasio Cortez believe that a governmental action that considers all people in its scope, and places particular emphasis on vulnerable populations could significantly mitigate the hardships of the coming months. Among other steps, they advocate for expansions of social programs such as Meals on Wheels and food programs that would cater to kids who are now home from school, a moratorium on rent (in addition to one on mortgage and student debt), and immediate clemency to elderly prisoners and prisoners held for low-level offenses. 

As Ocasio Cortez underscored, what we witness now is a blown-up version of crises that were bubbling under the surface for years, if not decades. After emergency provisions are passed to tackle this particular outbreak and ensure that all dwellers of this country are provided for, it is important to learn the hard lessons and drastically reform our system of governance, so that we wouldn't sink into such depths of despair when the next pandemic or disaster hit. 

Image: Orna Wachman 

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