The Increasing Vulnerability of South Asians in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Canadian South Asians are being economically, socially, politically, and culturally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is currently a gap in the literature on the unique challenges faced by this specific group of individuals. People of color and ethnic minorities are being homogenized in the media and throughout the literature when addressing populations disproportionally impacted by the current situation. This commentary aims to add a new perspective to the current literature by specifically exploring factors that may contribute to the high rates of COVID-19 among South Asian communities in Canada. Another goal is to highlight the importance of providing tailored support and attention for this community and the negative consequences if this is not correctly done. Factors such as overrepresentation in essential work and financial instability are discussed. Pre-existing health conditions among South Asians such as diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and mood disorder are considered, as well as how the history of these conditions within this population elevates the risk of severe health complications. This commentary presents suggestions for addressing this gap in research, as well as directions for future public health initiatives and policies.

Dynamics of intersectional and multilevel COVID-19 stigma across time: Qualitative findings from COVID-19 prophylaxis trial participants in Toronto, Canada.

“…Similarly, the emergence of the Delta variant in India and subsequent surge of cases in Canada also underscored participants' recognition of COVID-19 xenophobia directed toward South Asian communities in Toronto. Findings have shown that among 80% of COVID-19 cases confirmed among members of historically marginalized racial groups in Toronto, South Asians comprised over a quarter of COVID-19 positive cases-several of whom were predisposed to high-risk, COVID-19 exposures due to working frontline and/or essential jobs (Thobani & Butt, 2022). This also reflects intersectional stigma (Sievwright et al, 2022), as did the ways in which participants described how lower socioeconomic position increased structural stigma exposure during COVID-19, with frontline and essential workers navigating higher risks of COVID-19 exposure and limited opportunities to abide by stay-at-home orders.…”

Understanding equity and diversity needs among health library professionals in Canada: a survey

“…Figure 1 illustrates the breakdown of chapter membership among the respondents of the survey. Employment status (questions [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] 152 respondents (92%) indicated they worked in a library position, with 138 holding full-time permanent positions (91%). Most respondents held librarian positions (67%, N=101), followed by administrator or manager positions (16%, N=24) or library assistant/technicians and information specialist positions (8%, N=12 each).…”

“…The publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report in 2015 [1] has raised awareness of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) matters within many Canadian organizations. More recently, the increased incidence of racism following the COVID-19 pandemic [2][3][4], the murders of Americans George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery [5], and the death of Joyce Echaquan [6] have sparked outrage in Canada. Systemic racism has been at the forefront of discussions in many of our institutions and communities, challenging our systems and leaders to rethink the status quo and push for a more inclusive, diverse and equitable environment.…”