The effects of the lingering threat and fear that the coronavirus has created have affected a range of areas. As the story shared by Tyrone Hampton and Frank de Jesus shows, bus drivers in New York are torn between their passion for the job and the fear for their health and safety. By describing the meticulous ways of introducing precaution measures, such as taping the bus driver seat, the interviewees convey the tragedy of the situation (Hampton & de Jesus, 2020). Therefore, the story hints at the mental health challenges such as anxiety and the related issues as key effects of the coronavirus, which is crucial for understanding its threat.
Along with the COVID-19 threat, the pandemic and the forced lockdown have created additional threats to the well-being of vulnerable groups. Dr. DaSilva-Ibru (2020) mentions a “shadow pandemic,” namely, a stark increase in the levels of domestic violence, particularly, violence against girls and women. However, her response toward the subject matter, namely, the creation of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), might not work properly in the local setting due to the lack of connectivity between WARIF and local communities.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic may entail additional long-term effects. For instance, reluctance to attend healthcare facilities out of fear of the coronavirus may cause people to develop conditions that may reach a chronic stage. Moreover, some conditions may aggravate to the point where no further treatment is possible (Chen & McGeorge, 2020).
Given the likelihood of a rise in domestic violence rates, other adverse health outcomes are also expected to occur. For instance, suicidal ideations in violence victims and the resulting surge in suicide attempts are expected, as the recent statistics showing 4241 instances of suicide attempts in domestic violence victims in March 2020 shows (Melillo, 2021). Therefore, an increase in fatal outcomes and severe health conditions caused by suicide attempts are to be expected.
References
Chen, J., & McGeorge, R. (2020). Spillover effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could drive long-term health consequences for non-COVID-19 patients. HealthAffairs.org.
Hampton, T., & de Jesus, F. d. (2020). ‘We have a driver’s heart’: New York City bus operators on work and loss during COVID-19.StoryCorps.
Melillo, G. (2021). Increased rates of ED visits for suicide, violence, mental health and overdoses seen throughout pandemic.AJMC.