Perceived risk and wellbeing during the Covid-19 crisis in India

Covid-19 has paralyzed the world over the last few months and has sent millions into complete lockdown. Residents from developing countries such as India who suffer from

widespread poverty and inequality and reside in regions with high population density and lack job and food security face high risk of contraction and rapid transmission of Covid-19 as maintaining social distance under the isolation guidelines proposed by the Government is nearly impossible for them. With a total of 42,836 confirmed cases and 1,389 deaths as of the 4th of May 2020 (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, 2020) India is currently one of the largest countries under complete lockdown since the 24th of March. This has put many in a very vulnerable state. The adverse effects of such a countrywide lockdown, therefore extend beyond just income shocks and food insecurity as residents are under constant fear of contraction, which may also affect people’s mental health, overall wellbeing and change their attitudes due to high perceived risk.