The Pandemic affects EVERYONE. (Krystal Rodrigues)

The sudden spread of COVID-19 has shaken up the whole world. Towns, cities, and countries have had lockdowns. People have been left without jobs, some even stranded in a foreign country with no help. Whether rich or poor, this pandemic has affected everyone. So far, many have only considered the fact that this pandemic affects the health of people. However, this virus has done so much more than make people sick. It has cost people their jobs, it has put the poor in unimaginable situations, and has caused serious damage to the economy. COVID-19 has affected different sections of society in different ways. 

Out of all the classes, COVID-19 has most definitely affected the poor the worst. “We estimate that the pandemic could push about 49 million people into extreme poverty in 2020.” The lower class has been suffering the most. Because they live in unsuitable conditions, they depend on public services and mostly work in “informally employed sectors”. The poor live in places where they have limited access to a lot of goods and services. Using public transport during this pandemic is highly risky, and when one isn’t equipped with sanitary materials they are more likely to catch the virus. In addition, lower classes are usually self-employed or work paycheck to paycheck, in sectors that do not permit them to work from home. This factor affects them economically as they are not able to pay for daily necessities. The middle class of the society has also been affected by COVID-19. While it has led to sudden layoffs or major cuts in salaries, some have been given the option to work from home. This section of society is in a better position than the poorer section of society, in terms of standards of living, job security, and income. The upper class, or the elite, hasn’t suffered as much. They are well equipped with all required materials, and even have the money to pay for the best treatments. They have also had the option of working from home, protecting them from the risks of the virus. 

COVID-19 has increased the risks of inequality in society and even increased the chances of widening the gaps between the different classes of society. The upper class of society has had the privilege of working from home, while the economic situations of the lower classes have forced them to go to work. We should know of the situations of the poor and help out when we can. 

Citations

1. Sánchez-Páramo, Carolina. “COVID-19 will hit the poor hardest. Here’s what we can do about it.” Worldbank.org, 23 April 2020, https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/covid-19-will-hit-poor-hardest-heres-what-we-can-do-about-it . Accessed 03 August 2020. 
2. “Everyone Included: Social Impact of COVID-19”. United Nations,

https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/everyone-included-covid-19.html . Accessed 03 August 2020.

      3. Kelly Jack. “The Rich Are Riding Out The Coronavirus Pandemic Very Differently Than The Rest Of Us”.          Forbes, 01 April 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/04/01/the-rich-are-riding-out-the-coronavirus-pandemic-very-differently-than-the-rest-of-us/#77e60b02d34c . Accessed 03 August 2020. 

4.  (Featured image) “Wear a mask or face jail in Qatar.” https://www.arabnews.com/node/1676111/middle-east