33.6 Million People Unable to Take Sick Leave... A Factor in the Spread of COVID-19 in the US

33.6 Million US Workers Cannot Take Sick Leave
Must Work Despite Illness for Income
27.5 Million Uninsured Also Vulnerable
Discussion on Huge Medical Costs for COVID-19 Treatment Underway

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 3rd (local time) that 33.6 million workers in the United States cannot take sick leave. This accounts for 24% of all workers. Although COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, a significant number of workers who cannot take sick leave must go to work regardless of their health condition in order to earn income.

In particular, the seriousness increases as a large portion of workers who cannot use sick leave systems are in fields with frequent face-to-face contact with customers, such as restaurant waiters, cleaners, drivers, and cashiers. Because of this, customers visiting stores are concerned about the possibility of contracting COVID-19 from the staff.

The sick leave system shows polarization depending on income level. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, only about 31% of the lowest 10% income group can take sick leave. On the other hand, 94% of the highest 10% income group can take sick leave. Professor Son Seong-won of Loyola Marymount University warned, "The impact of COVID-19 will vary depending on income," adding, "The lower the income, the greater the damage may be."

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin mentioned in the House of Representatives on the same day regarding this situation, "We are considering all possible options related to the COVID-19 response." The U.S. retail industry argued, "The sick leave system needs to be more flexible," and "There is a need to introduce emergency sick leave systems."

The absence of a universal health insurance system also revealed weaknesses in the face of COVID-19.

According to WSJ, as of 2018, 27.5 million people, or 8.5% of the U.S. population, were uninsured. Because of this, there are concerns that these individuals may delay early treatment for COVID-19 infection due to the burden of medical expenses. Especially, looking at cases in China and other countries, 5% of COVID-19 patients require medical equipment such as oxygen respirators, and for the uninsured, the cost of treatment itself is a significant burden.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The U.S. government is also aware of these issues and is preparing supplementary measures. Robert Kadlec, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), stated at a U.S. House hearing, "We are considering a plan to cover treatment costs for uninsured patients under a natural disaster-like situation." Currently, in the U.S., when disasters such as hurricanes occur, affected residents can receive treatment cost compensation through Medicare. However, the government's consideration is reportedly limited to uninsured individuals. Others must receive treatment through Medicaid, a low-income medical program, or private health insurance. The issue of treatment costs for uninsured COVID-19 patients is still under discussion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.