The Gulf Coast environment and economy are in the process of recovering from the BP oil spill disaster. Now, a new concern threatens the health and economic stability of the region. It is not as visible as oil-drenched wildlife or beaches littered with balls of tar, but the coronavirus could cause a great deal of damage in this area that had just gotten back onto its feet after the oil spill. The spread of the coronavirus across America has changed everyday life dramatically over the span of only a few weeks. The impact that the coronavirus will have on the residents of the Gulf Coast cannot yet be estimated, but many are already preparing to weather the storm.
As concerns about the coronavirus cause businesses across America to temporarily close up shop, Gulf coast residents wonder how their health and economy will survive the pandemic. Tourism is a large part of the Gulf Coast economy, and people are not traveling now. Some people are even canceling vacation reservations for later this year. Beaches are closed, and all of the fun things people do when they visit the Gulf Coast have come to a standstill, from fishing charters to casinos and even Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Hotels in the region are closed. Restaurants have either closed or are offering take out or delivery to a fraction of their usual clientele.
The health of some Gulf Coast residents is particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, as the oil spill and the chemical dispersants that were used to clean it up left many people with chronic respiratory illnesses. The Gulf Coast is a popular place to retire, and many residents in the area are older adults. Older adults make up the segment of the population who are at higher risk of becoming severely ill or even dying if they become infected with the coronavirus. To complicate things even further, it seems as though not everyone started practicing social distancing as soon as it was recommended, and that creates further health risks for area residents. For example, beach closures in Alabama took place after larger than usual numbers of college students decided that their spring break parties must continue. Despite warnings not to travel, many of those students came to visit Alabama from neighboring states like Florida, which had closed beaches and other attractions sooner.
Gulf Coast residents recently went through all of the economic and health challenges that were brought about by the BP oil spill. Some residents are still dealing with lingering health concerns and financial setbacks. However, many Gulf Coast residents learned how to make it through tough times, so they are prepared to handle the challenges that the coronavirus is bringing their way.
Are you still recovering from the economic or health impacts of the Deepwater Horizon disaster? You are not alone. Some residents of the Gulf Coast are still waiting for their claims to be resolved. To learn more about BP oil spill litigation, call the Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC at 1 (601) 790-1505, to arrange an initial consultation.
