Vulnerability in light of the COVID-19 crisis

Excerpt

The Covid-19 pandemic clearly illustrates the various dimensions of the notion of vulnerability. Human beings in general are vulnerable, because their bodies are embedded in environments that can harm them. Everybody can be affected by viruses because micro-organisms are essential components of the biosphere and necessary for the sustenance of life. Special vulnerability exists for human beings that are more susceptible to harm than others. The pandemic demonstrates that healthcare workers are more frequently infected, because of their increased exposure. In addition, several other groups are more at risk for different reasons: older people, persons with underlying conditions or compromised immune systems, socio-economically disadvantaged people, and racial and ethnic minorities. …