COVID-19 impact on pulmonary care in rural community – a commentary

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 pandemic has devastated large urban areas across the country. Most rural areas have so far been able to avoid the initial surge in cases due to the low population density. However, as the pandemic advances, rural areas are at an increased risk for the second wave of the epidemic. Rural areas are especially vulnerable due to the older population, higher comorbidities, and lack of access to healthcare. This field report discusses the experiences and issues faced by the rural Appalachian community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• rural area
• Appalachian region
• delivery of care

Declaration of funding

No funding was received to produce this article

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The contents of the paper and the opinions expressed within are those of the authors, and it was the decision of the authors to submit the manuscript for publication.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.