The Definition Of Privilege: Easy Access To A Covid-19 Test

Eight privileges, all giving me easy access to a Covid-19 test, all necessary for a successful one. Like everything else, just gaining access to a basic health need right now shows the divide between the privileged and the rest of the world.

easy access to a Covid-19 test

I got a COVID-19 test today. Three days ago, I started feeling unwell. Low-grade fever, muscle aches, weakness, sporadic headaches. All characteristic of minor viral infections, but . . . we now live in COVID-world, and I’m one of those pesky older adults and married to an even more vulnerable older man, so bad outcomes are more likely if I get it.

Worried, I did a quick check online and quickly found the information about free and rapid testing at a drive-in spot about five miles from where I live.

I easily secured a convenient appointment for two days later and then received an email with the confirmation number and a QR code.

Instructions: have email available upon arrival at the test site.

Here are the tools I had available to make that appointment.

One, quick Internet access.
Two, a honed understanding of how to use search features to find what I needed.
Three, a facility near me.
Four, a functioning email account.
Five, a working smartphone.
Six, private transportation, and a loving husband to drive me there. No public transportation goes there.
Seven, GPS directions to find the area for the test.
Eight, adequately literate to be able to read the very small signs directing me to the correct entrance.

It continues to be my hope that the horror of this pandemic opens our eyes to the inequities of our health-care system. We simply must change this.

As officials debate the best order in which to give the vaccinations, I suggest we who are privileged should get a lower priority than those who do not have easy access to health care. It is time that we do some intentional care for the least of those among us.