Abstract
In Spring/Summer 2020, most individuals living in the United States experienced several months of social distancing and stay-at-home orders because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Clinicians, restaurant cooks, cashiers, transit operators, and other essential workers (EWs), however, continued to work outside the home during this time in order to keep others alive and maintain a functioning society. In the United States, EWs are often low-income persons of color who are more likely to face socioeconomic vulnerabilities, systemic racism, and health inequities. To assess the various impacts of COVID-19 on EWs, an online survey was distributed to a representative sample of individuals residing in six states during May/June 2020. The sample included 990 individuals who identified as EWs and 736 nonessential workers (NWs). We assessed differences between EW and NW respondents according to three categories related to health equity and social determinants of health: (1) demographics (e.g. race/ethnicity); (2) COVID-19 exposure risk pathways (e.g. ability to social distance); and (3) COVID-19 risk perceptions (e.g. perceived risk of contracting COVID-19). EWs were more likely to be Black or Hispanic than NWs and also had lower incomes and education levels on average. Unsurprisingly, EWs were substantially more likely to report working outside the home and less likely to report social distancing and wearing masks indoors as compared to NWs. EWs also perceived a slightly greater risk of contracting COVID-19. These findings, which we discuss in the context of persistent structural inequalities, systemic racism, and health inequities within the United States, highlight ways in which COVID-19 exacerbates existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities faced by EWs.
Highlights
At the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States, the economy experienced an unparalleled decline as more than 44 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits over the course of 12 weeks (Lambert, 2020)
In order to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on EWs in comparison to nonessential workers (NWs), this research study, conducted by the
16% of EWs and 17% of NWs fell into this category
Summary
Essential workers and COVID-19 risksAt the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States, the economy experienced an unparalleled decline as more than 44 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits over the course of 12 weeks (Lambert, 2020). While some maintained employment while working from home, millions who were deemed essential workers (EWs) continued to work outside the home, which increased their risk of contracting. Demographics (e.g. race/ethnicity); (2) COVID-19 exposure risk pathways (e.g. working outside the home, social distancing, mask-wearing, using public transportation, leaving home to care for family); and (3) COVID-19 risk perceptions (e.g. perceived risk of contracting, getting ill from, or dying from COVID-19). Throughout the early months of the pandemic, the term “essential worker” was associated with health-care workers. These workers, who are majority women (75%), have saved lives and been integral to the COVID-19 response, often working under dangerous and exhausting conditions, and with inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) (McNicholas and Poydock, 2020; Lancet Editorial, 2020). Health-care workers accounted for approximately 20% of the COVID-19 cases, and as of June
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
