Omicron variants of COVID are proliferating globally, including in the United States, which is still hit hard by the Delta variant.Rising new cases in the U.S. More than 20% Since two weeks ago.

There is strong evidence that the financial challenges faced by low-wage workers both reduce vaccination rates and hinder the success of COVID mitigation strategies. With the soaring budget surplus and the availability of large amounts of unused American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) funds, states should invest in paid sick leave and family visits, financial support for low-wage workers, and active vaccination efforts to protect lives and public health .

The rapid spread of Omicron variants is the result of policy choices

Nonetheless, state-level policymakers who should have learned more claim that The public health emergency has ended Now, the spread of COVID is entirely the fault of individuals who choose not to be vaccinated.In fact, a representative of the Democratic Party of Illinois introduce (Then, facing the public reaction, quit) A bill requiring people who have not been vaccinated to pay all medical expenses after contracting COVID.

Absolutely deliberate misinformation and Intimidate About vaccines are causing real harm. There are still some Americans who choose not to be vaccinated, and their decision endangers everyone’s health.In addition, it is clear that the peak COVID is The main drivers of unemployment and inflation, And containment of COVID is necessary for a full economic recovery.

However, limiting the spread and fatality rate of COVID is not just a matter of personal choice.Unvaccinated Americans are Disproportionately In low-income families. According to Julia Raifman of Boston University and Aaron Sojourner of the University of Minnesota, most Unvaccinated adults Annual income is less than US$50,000 think vaccination.

This is a failure of public policy.Two-thirds of low-wage workers still don’t have Paid sick leave, So you must choose between work and health.Low-wage workers, especially black and brown workers, are also unlikely to have health insurance, although government policies can Increase The number of insured persons reduces ethnic differences.Researchers at the National Health Access Data Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota Already shown People without medical insurance are more skeptical of the healthcare system, less confident that the vaccine is really free, and less willing to contact healthcare providers to arrange vaccination.

How states use federal recovery funds to reduce the spread of COVID

In addition to vaccination, the federal government has also taken many measures in 2020 and early 2021 to help mitigate the impact of COVID.Expanded unemployment benefits saved millions Get rid of povertyThe eviction order prevented many people from losing their homes. Many workers can also use the paid leave provisions of the CARES Act.In addition, although the White House has Pledge to distribute 500 million free home COVID tests, It makes sense to send COVID tests to every family on a regular basis. Every family can also receive N95 masks. Wait—the government can do many things to help people get vaccinated and stay safe.

However, for now, we cannot expect the federal government to pass paid sick leave, extend pandemic unemployment benefits, or resume the moratorium on deportation orders. Now is the time for the states to take action, using funds provided for them under the American Rescue Program Act (ARPA).

Country has Over US$90 billion From the unused fiscal recovery fund from ARPA, another $150 billion will be delivered in 2022.Because the overall financial situation of each state is as follows rosy As at any time in recent memory, in most cases, ARPA funds will not need to meet the income gap in 2022.

ARPA funds should be prioritized Fair rehabilitation of workers. Too many states did not follow this path, choosing instead to fund unemployment insurance trust funds (No useful economic impact) Or pay New prison This will not help alleviate COVID.

We have gone far enough in this pandemic, and we know what we can do to help. National decision-makers should take care of ourselves and our families through paid sick leave and family visit leave.Take New York as an example. Many residents provide paid sick leave and even clarify that it can be used for Even without formal medical documentation, vaccines have side effects; Not surprisingly, the state has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. Policymakers should expand unemployment benefits and subsidize mobile vaccine centers to travel to poor communities, and even go door-to-door when necessary to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Containing COVID and promoting equity are mutually reinforcing goals.Paid sick leave and family visit leave will enable people to stay at home to take care of themselves and others Reduce racial disparities At work.Expanding the scope and scale of unemployment benefits to mid-2020 levels will protect workers from business closures caused by COVID and will certainly help Reduce poverty rate It is also suitable for black and Hispanic families. Simplifying access to vaccines and providing homes, shelters and businesses with tests and masks will ensure that vulnerable groups are protected. Premium It is very helpful to improve the living standards of black and brown workers and women.

The current state of the pandemic is the result of public policy choices. States can act quickly to increase vaccination rates, slow the spread of COVID, and reduce the economic impact of Omicron variants. Not taking these actions is also an option, and it will have devastating consequences in the new year.