Covid-19 on Island and Rural Communities

Abstract

The COVID-19 virus is clearly evident in island states, countries, and rural communities. To understand a virus, like COVID-19, effects on such isolated destinations secondary data is used to identify determinants of community spread and economic damage. Through secondary data both qualitative and quantitative data is collected as reasoning why the virus is highly dangerous for island and rural communities. Hawaii COVID-19 cases counts are used to show the difference of cases between the different Hawaiian Islands as well as the ethic groups who make up most of the newly delta variant cases. Through the different sources were a mix of locations, but the populations are majority within the Polynesian islands. Therefore, the factor of culture must be identified as a determinant. Culture defines one’s lifestyle and perspective. In addition, the factor of very limited sources is also concluded as a determinant, meaning fewer hospitals, staff and other medical facilities. With a disease spread within such communities, before the vaccine, state and country shutdowns had to occur. Causing a stop in the economy and a decrease in tourism. Of course, the COVID-19 is deadly wherever it is present, but safety measures should be taken in island and rural areas no matter if they’re so called isolated from the rest of the world.