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Limited access to water can increase COVID-19 risks


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June 22, 2020

Researchers show disparities in COVID-19 response through access to water.

Arizona State University School of Human Evolution and Social Change President’s Professor Amber Wutich co-authored an article citing reasons why households with unstable access to water may be more at risk for COVID-19. Beyond being unable to wash one’s hands frequently, water-sharing is common in communities with limited access to water, meaning increased contact in people’s homes or at public water sources. The article references a spike in COVID-19 in communities with limited water service within the Navajo Nation. 

“Under-resourced regions that already suffer economic losses from lack of adequate water supplies are on the verge of an enormous additional burden from COVID-19. We can implement policies and practices with a greater probability of adherence, and ultimately save lives, by appreciating the complexity of how water insecurity interacts with COVID-19 control measures. We affirm the notion of getting 'back to the basics' in order to contain and halt this pandemic. But once COVID-19 is under control and we have taken stock of the damage to global health systems, we hope the world will pivot back to basic services, such as close, reliable, safe and secure water. It will cost us much more if we do not.”

Read the full paper to learn more.

Article source: Journal of Global Health

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