Rural America and Coronavirus Epidemic: Challenges and Solutions
Jeff Inungu, Governor G Ameh, Anuli Njoku, Mustafa Z Younis
Abstract
There are emerging concerns about the preparedness of rural communities in the United States in the face of the 2019 novel coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2, causing the disease COVID-19) considering the existing disparities across the social determinants of health between rural and urban Americans. Taking into account the current exponential rate of spread of the coronavirus, this article critically examines the risk facing the 60 million Americans living in rural areas, discusses possible solutions pertaining to rural COVID-19 prevention, and examines measures to consider to prepare for this epidemic before it reaches rural areas.
Topics & Concepts
PreparednessCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)CoronavirusRural areaSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Pandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakEconomic growthEnvironmental healthGeographyPolitical scienceDevelopment economicsSocioeconomicsMedicineDiseaseVirologySociologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)EconomicsOutbreakLawPathologyCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsCOVID-19 and Mental HealthPublic Health Policies and Education