Sampriti Roy, University of Calcutta
Along with masks and online meetings, what has been unanimous for all age groups and professions since the beginning of the pandemic or the new normal is ‘struggle.’ The mental and physical struggles in this pandemic have been one of a kind and massive in proportions. But one of the hardest hit by the pandemic is the rural communities.
With the closure of many local hubs, community centers, and small businesses, rural communities have been hit worse than many during this pandemic. A study in the UK predicts that understanding the impact of COVID-19 in rural communities is crucial when considering the long-term effects of the same.
Some of the significant impacts of COVID on rural communities are as follows:
- Work from home: While this may be synonymous with the pandemic, many rural areas lack access to higher quality bandwidth. It has harmed the productivity levels of both rural children and the workforce present there.
- Hospital waiting time: As per a new report from the think tank Nuffield Trust, COVID-19 has had a more unfavorable effect on hospital waiting times in rural areas than urban areas. One example to be considered is the first consultant appointment for cancer. These appointments have fallen by 59% in the urban areas. In rural areas, a decrease of 66%has been evident.
- Lesser returns: With many economic activities hindered due to the necessary measures of social distancing and lockdowns, businesses have been adjusting to the ever-changing regulations without receiving proper returns. There have also been fewer people working because of business closures, which have meant lesser income.
- The Elderly and retired: It has been observed that on average, more older and retired people live in the rural as compared to urban or suburban areas and these people are at a significantly higher risk of being infected by the virus.
- Loss of Rural amenities: In a study conducted in the UK, it has been found that local pubs and community centers have been closing down at a high rate during the past 20 years. These rural amenities are significant because they create jobs, are places of social interaction, and are a significant part of the economy. Closure of amenities could result in the permanent disappearance of many of them. With there being a significant relationship between community interaction and well being of people, the absence of such amenities could hinder social life and well-being in the countryside for years to come.
With more and more residents of the countryside shifting back to their homes, the development of greater opportunities for the rural communities is something that governments of all countries should strive towards with greater vigor. The pandemic is temporary but to avoid its long-term consequences, it’s important that measures are taken at the grassroots level and that more studies are undertaken to implement developmental ideas for the betterment of rural communities.
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Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-covid-long-term-impact-rural.html
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