Timelines

Lockdowns were imposed worldwide to curb the spread. Schools, workplaces, and public places were closed, while essential services remained open. Minimum distances and mandatory masks were introduced. In Germany, the first lockdown began in March 2020. Vaccinations started in spring 2021 and were widely administered. The virus continues to mutate, so Covid-19 infections persist. In addition to many acts of solidarity, however, the pandemic also highlights and even reinforces various patterns of existing discrimination. Here are a few examples: Racism: Shortly after the global spread of the virus, anti-Asian racism became apparent. Discrimination also affected disadvantaged groups such as refugees, Romani families, and Muslims, often based on old prejudices. Occupational groups and classism: Occupations without the option of working from home, such as delivery services, cashiers, caregivers, teachers, and seasonal workers, were at risk. Precarious conditions led to outbreaks in industries such as the meat industry and agriculture. Age, physical impairment, pre-existing conditions: Older people, people with disabilities, and people with pre-existing conditions were at high risk, often isolated and financially limited. Nursing homes were hotbeds of infection. Austerity measures and hospital privatization led to overcrowding and limited care. The pandemic revealed global resource distribution and national interests. The West had better access to protective equipment, medical care, and vaccines. Western experts dominated knowledge about the pandemic. Vaccines from the West were preferred, while other countries suffered from vaccine shortages. The West and Global North: Anti-vaccine protests occurred in some countries, while others had no access to vaccines. Economic weakness led to job losses, poverty, and debt. The pandemic highlighted the fractures in the global health system and the inequality between wealthy countries and poorer nations.