#pandemic
COVID-19 mass vaccination behavioural process
From participant observation research conducted in late July to mid-August.
- Wait times for bookings at the Sydney mass vaccination site are up to two months for non-priority groups
- Despite holding pre-scheduled appointments, on the day, the public lines up outdoors for up to two-hours. This makes for a physically uncomfortable and de-motivating experience
- Behavioural barriers during the mass vaccination experience may impact people’s willingness to return for their second dose in a timely way. For example:
- the line-up system is confusing
- it’s hard to hear staff directions
- inadequate accessibility
- lack of social distancing outdoors
- few signs and instructions
- lacking cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- poorly promoted multilingual services for migrants
- insufficient communication about extended wait times mean people may not be properly prepared to stand in line for so long
- Behavioural science evidence could be used to improve the customer service experience, by:
- improving physical cues, to encourage COVID-19 safe behaviours, and
- using behavioural messages to motivate customers to return for their second vaccination dose on time.
Read more on my blog.
[Image: Infographic on COVID-19 Mass Vaccinaton Behavioural process. On the left, what it is currently: 2 month wait, routine sms, long delays, routine follow-up. On the right what could be improved: timely access, behavioural prompt, enhanced service]
Post link
Lockdown, Healthcare and Racist Ableism
In Episode 4 of our Race in Society series, Associate Professor Alana Lentin and I spoke with three health experts to unpack how racist ableism drives the management of lockdown and healthcare during the pandemic. Ableism is the discrimination of disabled people, based on the belief that able-bodied people (people without disability) are superior, and the taken-for-granted assumptions that able-bodied experiences are “natural,” “normal” and universal. Racist ableism describes how ableism intersects with racial discrimination (unfair treatment and lack of opportunities, due to ascribed racial markers such as skin colour or other perceived physical features, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or immigrant status).
In “Lockdown, Healthcare and Racist Ableism,” we explore the ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disabilities can be better supported in the health system, how to establish cultural safety during the pandemic, and what an anti-racist response to healthcare might look like.
First, we spoke with June Riemer, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the First Peoples Disability Network. She discussed the Network’s advocacy on the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and the impact of COVID-19 on Aboriginal people with disability. Second, Associate Professor Lilon Bandler is a Principal Research Fellow for Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education Network. She spoke about cultural safety and the imposition of heavier restrictions on racial minorities during lockdown. Finally, Dr. Chris Lemoh is an infectious disease expert and general physician at Monash University Health. He discussed his advice to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, after the Department put nine social housing towers in Melbourne under heavily armed police lockdown. The majority of these residents were migrants and refugees. No other neighbourhood was policed in Melbourne in the same way.
These patterns are now being repeated in Sydney. Eight multicultural suburbs have been put into a “hard lockdown,” including visits by police and military personnel. To see how our guests’ work still resonates in the current context, watch our video, and read a summary below.
Post link
Policing Public Health
Without warning, on 3 July 2020, the Victorian Government placed 3,000 people living in nine social housing towers into a police-enforced lockdown. They aimed to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection by targeting disadvantaged migrants who were in a dependent relationship with the state (social housing tenants live in buildings owned by the Government). Ultimately, this racial targeting did not work. The entire state of Victoria was still placed into lockdown, which lasted almost four months.
The Melbourne example shows police-enforced segregation of multicultural communities is an ineffective public health model. It is therefore profoundly concerning that such recent history is currently being repeated in Sydney almost exactly one year later.
Announced suddenly on 30 July 2021, police and the military have been deployed into eight multicultural suburbs in South West and Western Sydney, to enforce lockdown through door-to-door visits. Military personnel are not mandated to be vaccinated. This show of state force was not used in previous outbreaks involving white, middle class people in the Northern Beaches, or at the start of the present lockdown, in Bondi.
Heavily policing public health in places where Aboriginal people, migrants and other working class people live sends a damaging message to those communities. There are potential health risks with this plan, including to mental health and safety.
Let’s reflect on some of the lessons from Melbourne, and then explore how racist ableism is operating in the current “hard lockdown” of select multicultural suburbs in Sydney.
Post link
Race, Class and the Delta Outbreak
Three states in Australia are presently under a strict COVID-19 lockdown: New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. New South Wales is experiencing a major Delta variant outbreak, which is highly contagious. It has spread to the other states through working-class workers, who do not have the luxury of working from home. Similarly to what happened in the harsh Melbourne lockdown in 2020, residents in migrant communities have been placed into a tougher lockdown relative to others, even as they are required to continue working, and submit to COVID testing every three days (“surveillance testing”).Public discourse about the COVID-19 outbreaks continues to be racially coded in media articles and in press conferences. This contributes to a moral panic about racialised people. Blame is placed on multicultural communities for not listening to public health messages, even though the majority of cases originate in ‘essential’ workplaces that are not required to shut down. As some communities remain confused about public health messages, state responses have been heavily criticised for not promoting culturally-appropriate public communication campaigns, while targeting migrants with a heavy police presence.
[Iarge: entrace to supermarket. Stickers on the ground say “Please stand here”]
Post link
Pandemic Misinformation
I spoke with Angeline Chew Longshore from The Mauimama about my article, “Using sociology to think critically about Coronavirus COVID-19 studies.” We talked about how I was motivated to write about the sociology of science because I saw so many people struggling to make sense of the pandemic. We discussed how national cultures are impacting responses to the virus, why precarious employment in healthcare is causing high rates of infection, and how we can better check whether the information we hear is credible.
The pandemic is scary, and so much conflicting advice can be difficult to sort through. A quick way in which we can make sense of what we think we hear in news and social media is to ask four questions:
- Why do I think this is true?
- Where did I get this information?
- Whose interest does it serve?
- Does this maintain the status quo?
If something seems too neat, or convenient, or only helps a narrow group in power, it is best we dig deeper into the theories, methods and conclusions. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Watch the video interview on my blog.
Post link
NO DOUBT this is the most harsh time of my life as a woke adult to experience a pandemic. The effects on business, society, relationships and more, including travel is intense.
The hopelessness when it comes to travel plans and making life plans. Our hobbies have halted and our sense of being questioned by the lockdown.
I had booked a trip to Japan and planned my business around domestic and…
Black Celebrity Fashion Designer: Mugzy Mcfly
Black Celebrity Fashion Designer: Mugzy Mcfly
New York fashion designer and entrepreneur Jevaughn Williams, better known as Mugzy McFly, has made his childhood dream come true with Signed By McFly. Bronx-based fashion guru has worked with celebrities like Maino, Doja Cat and Post Malone and was chosen to enter the GRAMMY Awards this year. He owns pop-up shops to highlight BIPOC’s independent designers in the area of fashion and is a source…
So I’ve written an article and posted it on MEDIUM. It’s called…
America Is Having a Very Karmic Moment
Clocking in at just under 5000 words it is a deep dive. I discuss the intersections of systemic racism, with specific focus on healthcare, government assistance and police brutality. It all leads up to the ramifications of Black death by the hands of the police and the repercussions we all face in the midst of a pandemic.
For those who want to dig even deeper, the piece is chock full of hyper-linked articles that talk about the topics in greater detail.
Interspersed throughout the article are some of my favorite artistic works that support the sentiment and spirit of Black Lives Matter.
Here’s hoping you enjoy it! https://medium.com/@alphacmt/america-is-having-a-very-karmic-moment-72269ab03e1
Post link
PATIENCE & FORTITUDE: Library Lions Wear Masks
Not to be outdone by the Rockefeller Center statues getting masked, Patience and Fortitude, the lions outside the New York Public Library main branch have gotten their own masks. According to the NYPL, the initiative is intended to “set an example and remind New Yorkers to stay safe and follow expert guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19.” These masks are appropriately lion-sized at 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall.
New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx says, “Patience and Fortitude are the perfect symbols for the strengths our City and our nation need now even more. Like them, New Yorkers are strong and resilient and can weather any storm. We will get to the other side of this public health crisis together. But to do so, we must remain vigilant, we must have patience and fortitude, and we must follow what experts tell us, especially as we continue to reopen our cities. The lions, protectors of knowledge and truth who have seen 109 years worth of history, are setting that example.”
Source: Michelle Young, Untapped New York, June 30, 2020
Post link
India’s ‘Maximum City’ Engulfed by Coronavirus
The Maximum City teems with life and density, making social distancing vitually impossible, especially in the informal communities like Dharavi, Mumbai’s biggest slum.
Latin America’s Outbreaks Now Rival Europe’s. But Its Options Are Worse.
Such a tragedy, hurting the most vulnerable!
July 31st 2021
Got the second shot of vaccine today + enjoying holiday doing what I did not have time to do during the study session
A kingdom of self-isolation, and it looks like I’m the queen ❄️
This is a tough time for many people. At the moment in my country there are
7918 confirmed infections and 314 deaths.
Remember to always make your health a priority.
I want to share with you some less waste tips that may help you these days.
- Let’s start with masks - they are not difficult to sew at home (or even make without sewing!) and it is obvious that having a reusable one is better than using lots of disposable ones. After use you can disinfect it with boiling water or just put it into laundry ;) I recommend you having a few face masks.
- Hand sanitizer - the world went crazy about it. Try making it yourself, it is easy! Ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
- 5 tablespoons of aloe vera and 3 tablespoons of glycerin which will prevent your skin from drying out and provide extra protection
- You can also add some drops of essential oil;)
- Most of people started to care about cleaning much more due to the pandemic. Using homemade cleaning products is a goal that I still have not achieved yet. If you feel ready to start using them, go for it, look for the recipes (for example on pinterest) and make your own natural cleaning supplies!
- I know that gloves are required to be worn now, but to be honest I do not believe that using disposable gloves will save us and from my point of view we are just making a huge waste with this plastic or rubber accessories. But…
- please,wash your hands after touching any questionable surface. It is crucial to keep you and others save.
- If you are storing food, remember that using aluminium or metal cans is probably a better choice than choosing plastic or glass due to recycling. Of course you can reuse most of packaging. But again, make yourself comfortable and buy what you need to survive.
- Buy fruit and vegetables that stay fresh for a long time as: apples, potatoes and sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, apples, carrots, celery, lemons, beetroots, cabbages, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower. You can also freeze fruits, I often freeze my bananas ;)
- Grow your own food and make your own bread, cookies, muesli, pasta etc. ;)
I hope you’re doing great and have everything you need. I wish you good heath! Greetings!
PLEASE Wear a Mask!
The Delta Variant of COVID is VERY contagious and jumping between animals and people on mink farms - the virus mutates in the mink and then hops back to humans.
At least 50% of the wild deer in Michigan are infected with the Delta Variant!
The Alpha variant found in the UK can infect mice, and we know from history that rodents (and parasites that catch a ride on rodents) can infect humans with various diseases.
My county’s cases are on the rise again. Libraries have reinstated the mask mandate - some employees aren’t vaccinated and no children can be. And the variants are significantly more contagious than the original virus is.
Texted my niece to see if she needs us to buy her masks.
Called my dad to ask him to wear a mask even if his customers don’t. (His employer today instigated mask requirement for staff again.)
FUCK THE USA for making safety equipment a gd freedom of speech bullshit thing.
Epilogue - Dark Times 2020
New NFT available on @wazirxnft
50% of the profit will go to the Covid Relief Funds.
https://nft.wazirx.org/ravikoranga
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise, paused lives will resume. Life will be normal again just like the good old days. . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#wazirxnft #nftwazirx #nft #nftcommunity #nftcollector #pandemic #nftart #ravikoranga #darktimes2020 #corona #coronavirus #covid19 #9gag #fightagainstcorona #art #illustration #illustrationartists #igart #instagram #coronaillustration #maskupindia #indiaxnft #epilogue #mask #covid19art #covidfree #resume #weareinthistogether (at India)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTz_g5uBsWX/?utm_medium=tumblr
Post link
Dispose - Dark Times 2020
New NFT available on @wazirxnft
50% of the profit will go to the Covid Relief Funds.
https://nft.wazirx.org/ravikoranga
Thousands of masks are being thrown away everyday and these discarded face masks are posing a new hazard to wildlife and animals becoming tangled in the straps. . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#wazirxnft #nftwazirx #nft #nftcommunity #nftcollector #pandemic #nftart #ravikoranga #darktimes2020 #corona #coronavirus #covid19 #9gag #fightagainstcorona #art #illustration #illustrationartists #igart #instagram #coronaillustration #maskupindia #indiaxnft #dispose #mask #maskstrap #maskstraps #tangled #weareinthistogether (at India)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTsSG_nB52D/?utm_medium=tumblr
Post link
Grow - Dark Times 2020
New NFT available on @wazirxnft
50% of the profit will go to the Covid Relief Funds.
https://nft.wazirx.org/ravikoranga
Selfcare strategies are good for your mental and physical health and can help you take charge of your life. . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#wazirxnft #nftwazirx #nft #nftcommunity #nftcollector #pandemic #nftart #ravikoranga #darktimes2020 #corona #coronavirus #covid19 #9gag #fightagainstcorona #art #illustration #illustrationartists #igart #instagram #coronaillustration #maskupindia #indiaxnft #mentalhealth #grow #mental #mentalhealthmatters #meditation #weareinthistogether (at India)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpmBr9h_C3/?utm_medium=tumblr
Post link
Mental Health - Dark Times 2020
New NFT available on @wazirxnft
50% of the profit will go to the Covid Relief Funds.
https://nft.wazirx.org/ravikoranga
The covid pandemic is associated with highly significant levels of psychological distress. Don’t let this get over your head and affect you mentally. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#wazirxnft #nftwazirx #nft #nftcommunity #nftcollector #pandemic #nftart #ravikoranga #darktimes2020 #corona #coronavirus #covid19 #9gag #fightagainstcorona #art #illustration #illustrationartists #igart #instagram #coronaillustration #maskupindia #indiaxnft #mentalhealth #affect #mental #mentalhealthmatters #distress #weareinthistogether (at India)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkhzT5Bi3-/?utm_medium=tumblr
Post link
Hide - Dark Times 2020
New NFT available on @wazirxnft
50% of the profit will go to the Covid Relief Funds.
https://nft.wazirx.org/ravikoranga
The mistrust in medical health system is making people hide their covid infection along with the rumors about vaccination which is the reason people are being quiet. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#wazirxnft #nftwazirx #nft #nftcommunity #nftcollector #pandemic #nftart #ravikoranga #darktimes2020 #corona #coronavirus #covid19 #9gag #fightagainstcorona #art #illustration #illustrationartists #igart #instagram #coronaillustration #coronavirus #maskupindia #indiaxnft #hide #avoid #zip #infected #secret #weareinthistogether (at India)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTaLI0kBqih/?utm_medium=tumblr
Post link
