[The Spread of the Epidemic Among Vulnerable Groups and Related Epidemic Prevention Issues]

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the adverse health, economic and social consequences of longstanding social inequality on various communities, groups, and individuals. Because they lack sufficient access to health and social resources, vulnerable groups affected by lower incomes, geographic remoteness, and/or low awareness of disease prevention and control measures are more susceptible to infection (McDonald, 2022; Mein, 2020; Moghanibashi-Mansourieh, 2021). According to The Lancet (2020) editorial board, vulnerable groups are defined as segments of the population disproportionately exposed to risk. People not considered vulnerable at the start of the pandemic may become vulnerable afterward due to pandemic-related effects such as loss of income and lack of access to social support. Thus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable groups include not only traditionally vulnerable populations (e.g., older adults, infants, immuno-compromised individuals) but socioeconomic groups that may be financially, mentally, or physically struggling to cope. In addition, schools of all levels around the world have adopted remote online synchronous or asynchronous teaching methods to avoid pandemic-related school closures and interruptions in student learning (Dreesen et al., 2020). However, issues such as the accessibility, availability, acceptability, and applicability of online learning equipment for vulnerable students should be comprehensively considered by the government. Governments encounter multiple challenges related to the above-mentioned issues, including (1) dealing with the public health effects of the pandemic crisis; (2) dealing with related economic and social impacts such as social and economic depression due to isolation, tax reductions, increased payments, subsidies, compensation, and the provision of unemployment insurance (Moghanibashi-Mansourieh, 2021); and (3) reforming education teaching methods and providing appropriate information and equipment of vulnerable groups. In responding to COVID-19, policymakers should consider the risks of exacerbating the inequalities faced by vulnerable groups. Moreover, vulnerable groups should be clearly identified to limit the long-term consequences of the pandemic. Governments must continually identify vulnerable / at-risk populations and provide equitable support to those most at risk.