COVID 19 and Fallout On Families

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Title: Navigating the Unprecedented COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Our Local

Community

Introduction:

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has brought about many unexpected changes, and has
drastically changed people's lives worldwide. This report is made by Ruben Pereira of class
11A and with it I aim to provide interesting insights into the local impact of the pandemic
through interviews conducted with members of my community in Al Warqa, Dubai. engaging
with them and understanding their struggles we can better understand the challenges faced
during this extraordinary crisis.

Economic Impact

Many interviewees shared stories of job losses, unavailability of jobs, or business closures. The
economic crisis affected individuals across various sectors, with daily wage earners, small business
owners, and informal workers facing the worst impact of financial hardships.

Unavailabilty of resources

COVID-19 caused unavailability of resources through various mechanisms. Lockdowns


and restrictions disrupted production and distribution chains, leading to shortages of
essential goods like medical supplies and food. Business closures and job losses
affected people's purchasing power, resulting in limited access to resources. The
pandemic also increased demand for certain resources, straining supply chains and
exacerbating shortages.

Educational Disruptions:

Students' education was hampered by the closure of schools and colleges. While some
students adjusted to online learning, interviewees emphasized the difficulties faced by others
who lacked access to digital devices or reliable internet connections, which aggravated
educational inequality.

Limitation On Travel

A majority of the interviewees recounted their inability to travel back to their home country
to meet their loved ones due to restrictions imposed by the UAE government in the light of
the outbreak of COVID-19. Due to little to no human interaction and long periods confined
indoors, the interviewees elucidated their experiences with depression and grief. Some of
them even had old relatives who passed away due to the corona virus, and due to the
lockdown, they were unable to bid a final goodbye or even attend funeral services.

Recognition and Awareness:


The interviews with our community members revealed a wide spectrum of perceptions and
awareness regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. While some individuals were well-informed
about the virus and preventive measures, others expressed uncertainty, skepticism, or relied
on misleading information. Clear and reliable communication from the UAE government
played a pivotal role in resolving these disparities and fostering a united response.

Health Impacts and Healthcare System:

a) Infections and Symptoms: Several individuals experienced moderate illness, while others
reported experiencing severe respiratory distress, emphasizing the need for caution and
preventive measures. Fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and a loss of taste or smell were
typical symptoms mentioned by the interviewees.

b) Issues faced by the Healthcare System: As the pandemic unfolded, the healthcare system
in UAE along with the rest of the world faced significant challenges. Hospitals struggled to
accommodate a spike of COVID-19 patients, which left them short on beds and protective
equipment and under more pressure to provide care. Both COVID-19 patients and those with
other medical illnesses started to worry about having access to prompt medical care.

Mental Health and Coping mechanisms:

The interviews emphasized the significant impact of the pandemic on mental health within
our community:

a) Psychological Distress: Several individuals reported heightened anxiety, stress, and panic
due to uncertainties surrounding the virus, health concerns, and economic instability. Social
isolation and limited social interactions further contributed to emotional distress.

b) Adaptive responses: Amidst adversity, interviewees strategies they used during the
pandemic. Keeping in touch with loved ones through technology, engaging in hobbies to
distract themselves of the ongoing pandemic, and seeking help through mental health
programs were common strategies.

Community Response and Resilience:

Despite the challenges, the interviews highlighted the resilience and community spirit
exhibited within our local community:

a) Solidarity and Support: Interviewees emphasized the significance of community support


networks, where individuals and organizations came together to assist those in need. The
distribution of essential supplies, mutual aid initiatives, and volunteering efforts showcased
the resilience and compassion within our community. Individuals became more conscious
about their health weren’t reluctant large sums of money on sanitisation products and
vaccinations.

b) Adaptation and Innovation: The pandemic necessitated innovative solutions to combat


emerging challenges. Local businesses adapted by shifting to online platforms, individuals
explored new employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities such as those in ‘Aster’
clinic adopted video or phone appointments between a patient and their health care
practitioner to ensure continued access to healthcare services.

Conclusion:

All in all, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a detrimental, long-lasting impact on our local
community, primarily affecting health, livelihoods, and overall well-being. By gathering
insights from residents, we have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and
the resilience exhibited during these tragic times.

To build a more resilient and united community, it is essential to raise awareness of


health care issues, better healthcare infrastructure, support disadvantaged groups as
well as prioritise services for mental health.

The insights obtained from this report. should serve as a foundation for future preparedness,
emphasizing the significance of clear communication, empathy, and community support.
Together, we can navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge
stronger, fostering a more compassionate and resilient community in the face of any future
uncertainties.

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