The United States opened more distance between itself and much of the rest of the world on Thursday, nearing the 200 millionth vaccine administered in a months-long race to protect the population against COVID-19, even as other countries, rich and poor, struggle with stubbornly high infection rates and deaths.
There’s no question that the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Golden State’s seniors hard. Californians age 65 and up make up just 15.6% of the state’s overall population, but state data indicates they account for 74% of coronavirus-related deaths. The statistics are even more stark for the very oldest residents — those 80 and up. That group makes up less than 4% of the population but accounts for nearly 40% of fatalities linked to COVID-19.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared Monday that the world’s failure to unite on tackling COVID-19 created wide inequalities, and he called for urgent action including a wealth tax to help finance the global recovery from the coronavirus.
Launched last year by Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, Global Volunteer Month serves to activate volunteers and support the most vulnerable populations. And over the past year, volunteers have joined the ranks of frontline workers and first responders to fight against COVID-19, support the vaccination roll-out, address systemic racism and ensure equity and opportunity for all.