COVID Isolation Persists for Disabled Americans Four Years Later

Over four years into the COVID-19 pandemic, many disabled and immunocompromised Americans have had to drastically alter their lifestyles to ensure their safety. Individuals like Willette have expressed frustration over societal inaccessibility, which forces them to take significant health risks just to access basic medical care. The pandemic has also exacerbated issues for those suffering from long COVID, which some now qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Charis Hill, a California resident with a systemic inflammatory disease, highlights the challenges of accessing in-person medical appointments due to the decline in safety measures at healthcare facilities. The lack of masking requirements in these environments poses a significant risk to individuals like her, who rely on immunosuppressive medications. This situation has led to delayed care, which could have broader implications for the healthcare system. To maintain social connections, Hill and her friends have created a safe space by meeting outdoors while adhering to strict safety protocols, such as wearing masks and social distancing. However, proposed mask bans threaten to further isolate immunocompromised individuals, making public spaces unsafe for them. Both Willette and Hill emphasize the need for a new normal that prioritizes the health and safety of high-risk individuals while reducing overall infection rates. They argue that without equitable measures in place, the ongoing risk of COVID-19 and future pandemics will continue to pose significant challenges for vulnerable populations.