As the world contemplates who should receive the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, an expression which has been bandied about for the past nine months now has new importance - “essential workers.” Of course, the term refers to those whose responsibilities and professions are most critical during a pandemic, people who presumably perform tasks that are indispensable and central to our survival. What is more complicated though, and the subject of much dispute, is who gets to define the term “essential”? Does it extend to mental health professionals, social services, and what about religious services? Isn't it true that to everyone, earning a living is “essential”? The label of “essential” has generated a secondary problem - many individuals will now have to bear the emotional toll and the financial and social implications of being deemed a “nonessential.” While the vaccine problem needs to be addressed decisively, I believe that ...
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