The coronavirus has shaped humankind in ways that still need to be determined. For example, in industrialized countries, like the United States, the economic gap and wealth inequality has widened since the pandemic. Moreover, the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus among minority groups have intensified existing disparities harming communities of color. For instance, in Maryland, the Latino community has been the most affected ethnic group, especially out-of-status individuals, who in many cases are front-line workers unable to work from home, increasing their chances of getting infected and spreading the virus to others in the community. Additionally, out-of-status individuals are not getting tested to avoid being targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Unfortunately, the federal government has continued to target sensitive populations choosing to ignore the Latino population's unbalanced reality and its financial and emotional loss during these challenging times.
Nevertheless, local authorities have extended a helping hand to an already struggling community. For example, Montgomery County launched a program named "Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar" or translated in English as "For Our Health and Wellbeing." The program offers case management services and a Spanish-language hotline to assist community members in need of economic and health assistance due to the pandemic. The proposal, by the Montgomery County Council, was implemented after data showed that Latinos in the county counted for more than 60% of positive tests. Even though local officials' approach puts a band-aid to the systematic health and social inequalities towards minority groups in the region, some must wonder what the future might bring to an already struggling population.
Researchers have concluded that exposure to stressful environments impacts individuals' mental and physical health, especially in communities where resources such as affordable and accessible health care are absent. The novel coronavirus has disproportionately affected ethnic minorities in the state of Maryland and the nation, broadening racial injustice and economic inequalities already in existence in an already broken system.
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