On the frontlines: Protecting low-wage workers during COVID-19.

Abstract

An examination of the trajectory of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its subsequent economic impacts has revealed that this crisis will impact low-wage workers more severely than all others. The present commentary highlights the unique factors associated with low-wage work that make these workers particularly vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic, identifies potential adverse effects on the mental health of this population, and provides recommendations to maintain the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of low-wage workers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) Clinical Impact Statement—This commentary calls attention to the factors that make low-wage workers uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. After considering the potential impact on the mental health of this population, recommendations are provided to support and uplift low-wage workers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)