COVID-19 Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The COVID-19 pandemic is a threat to the general population of the United States and other countries. It has become increasingly clear, however, that some of the population is more vulnerable than others. This is in addition to the generally understood most vulnerable population, those who are age 65+.

COVID-19 Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The COVID-19 pandemic is a threat to the general population of the United States and other countries. It has become increasingly clear, however, that some of the population is more vulnerable than others. This is in addition to the generally understood most vulnerable population to COVID-19, those who are age 65+. We now know that older people living in nursing homes are especially vulnerable to infection, serious illness and death, according for 40% or more of the total American COVID-19 deaths through June 2020.

In addition, other populations who are living in close congregate environments, including jails and prisons and assisted living facilities, are uniquely vulnerable populations and few policy interventions have been attempted so far to reduce the threat to them materially. We are using this site to post information on these populations and to provide critiques of policy responses designed to increase their safety.

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Image courtesy of Getty Images / Thierry Roge