To the editor:

COVID-19 has caused us to become consumed with our lives and routines. Because of this, we have failed to recognize the devastating effects that this pandemic has and will have on those around the world living in poverty.

As a result of the current pandemic, the number of people living in poverty around the world is likely to increase. There are many people losing their jobs, thus driving people who were previously above the poverty threshold into poverty. COVID’s effects on food security is another element that will likely increase poverty. Many food markets and food-processing plants have been forced to shut down. Because of this, it has become harder to access food, and the price of many foods has increased. For those who were living on little food before, it is close to impossible now to receive what they need to survive.

The Global Health Security Act is a bill that is crucial to combating COVID-19. Overall, the bill will increase the U.S. government’s efforts to support epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevent threats of infectious disease outbreaks. As we are seeing now, this pandemic and our lack of preparation is having devastating effects on the world’s poor. This bill is critical in preventing such catastrophic events in the future. Rep. Steve Watkins has not cosponsored this bill yet.

Ella Nordell-Morris,

Lawrence