The COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on the Southern United States

ABSTRACT

The Southern United States, the fastest growing region in the nation, is comprised of the largest number of states and home to the largest population of residents compared to the other three U.S. regions. Americans in the South have been more likely to experience poor health outcomes, to be living in poverty, and to be uninsured than those in other regions. In addition, Southerners' tradition of hospitality, the high value placed on church attendance, and the large numbers of individuals identifying as members of racial and ethnic minority groups render the region particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. These factors intertwine to affect COVID-19's ability to devastate the South.