If you needed more reasons to stay home, practice social distancing, and wash your hands, the Daily Yonder has compiled some research about rural communities and how our demographics will be affected by COVID-19:
- Rural populations trend older
- Rural communities have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions
- We have more limited health care infrastructure
- Longer-term health & economic consequences for rural communities
Several features of rural populations and places increase the chances that we will see high rates of COVID-19 mortality and other long-term health consequences in rural areas…
Read more on the Daily Yonder.
Demographic and economic characteristics, health care capacity, economic resources, and policy responses vary widely across different rural communities. Responding quickly and comprehensively, even before a particular geographic area has any confirmed cases, will save lives.