Low-income groups are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 - below are some key examples, but by no means an exhaustive list of reasons:
Many low-income jobs, such as grocery store clerks, are not afforded time off or sick days
Low-income individuals are less likely to have health insurance
Low-income families are less likely to have the financial resources needed for emergency funds or to stock up on food needed during quarantine
Unstable Internet access and lack of access to reduced school meals means that school-age children suffer
Homeless populations are at immense risk, often times residing in crowded and close quarters
Prison populations also live in crowded quarters where "social distancing" is nothing short of impossible
When considering COVID-19, it is imperative to think about those at the margins who suffering disproportionately.
Groups already subject to socio-economic disparities bear an unequal burden during the current crisis. It is necessary to adopt an interdisciplinary lens which considers deeply rooted social inequalities as they relate to public health and welfare systems.
Considering economic justice is key to deconstructing the key impacts of COVID-19 within our society.
Source:
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