Vulnerable Population in Covid-19 Outbreak: A Look at Italy

Abstract

We examine the population groups most exposed to Covid-19 in the Italian social and health context. These groups include, firstly, elderly and disabled people with one or more pre-existing diseases and, secondly, health workers, especially doctors and nurses, who have paid a very high price in terms of contagion and death. If elderly people are infected with the virus and become ill with severe interstitial pneumonia, they are unlikely to be admitted to intensive care units and are destined to die in a short time. Therefore, in accordance with the principle of equity recommended by the World Health Organization, some resources should be devoted to protecting these elderly persons, so that they would not come into contact with the virus. Unfortunately, the measures taken by the Italian National Government and Regional Administrations have not been effective in protecting this elderly group, as is evident from the ongoing judicial disputes. Covid-19 health care professionals are the most exposed to the risk of contagion, which increases dramatically if there are no adequate personal protection equipment. And these protections were lacking, especially in the early stages of contagion. Meaningful demonstrations of a human solidarity have happened, which have crossed the boundaries of duty to the point of sacrifice of life.