COVID-19’s Ongoing Impact on Vulnerable Americans: A Closer Look
Susan Scarbro, a 55-year-old woman from Sunset Beach, North Carolina, fears every cough she hears as she stands at the bowling alley. Scarbro, who has multiple immune disorders, remains cautious about COVID-19, a threat that has persisted even five years after the first confirmed case in the United States. Despite the end of the pandemic’s emergency phase in May 2023, the virus continues to disrupt lives, especially for vulnerable individuals like Scarbro. As she navigates her daily routines, Scarbro faces challenges such as wearing masks, isolating in family bubbles, and adopting unproven strategies to protect herself from infection.
The ongoing impact of COVID-19 extends beyond Scarbro to a diverse group of individuals who remain cautious about the virus. From young caregivers to people with chronic health conditions, many Americans continue to grapple with the repercussions of the pandemic on their daily lives. Bazia Zebrowski, a 61-year-old woman from Newbury, Ohio, shares her experience of living with myalgic encephalomyelitis and the precautions she takes to safeguard her health. Despite missing the social interactions of pre-pandemic times, Zebrowski emphasizes the importance of being “COVID competent” rather than overly cautious.
For others like Steve Alejandro in Wentzville, Missouri, protecting a loved one from COVID-19 takes precedence. Alejandro, who refers to himself as a “COVID shielder,” prioritizes his wife Ashley Alejandro’s health, who also battles myalgic encephalomyelitis. The couple, along with their children, have made significant lifestyle adjustments to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Similarly, Kira Levin in Miami takes extreme precautions to ensure her 98-year-old grandmother’s safety, even wearing a mask at a summer wedding to protect her loved one.
In Denver, sisters Jacqueline and Alexa Child have launched a dating app catering to disabled or chronically ill individuals, with a special focus on connecting “COVID Cautious” users. Through their platform, the Child sisters aim to create a supportive community for those who prioritize safety measures in their interactions. As the world grapples with the challenges of transitioning to a new normal post-pandemic, individuals like Scarbro, Zebrowski, Alejandro, Levin, and the Child sisters continue to navigate the complexities of living with COVID-19 and its lasting impact on their lives.