essential population
[ɪˈsɛnʃəl ˌpɑpjəˈleɪʃən]
nounpl: essential populations
população essencial
1. Workers and individuals in critical sectors whose work is deemed necessary for the functioning of society and economy during emergencies, lockdowns, or public health crises
Healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and utility workers are considered part of the essential population during the pandemic.
Profissionais de saúde, funcionários de supermercados e trabalhadores de serviços públicos são considerados parte da população essencial durante a pandemia.
2. Demographic group considered vital for maintaining critical infrastructure and public services
The government provided special protections for the essential population to ensure they could continue working safely.
O governo forneceu proteções especiais para a população essencial para garantir que pudessem continuar trabalhando com segurança.
This term gained significant prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) in both Brazil and the United States. In Brazil, the term 'população essencial' became widely used in government decrees and media to designate workers who were exempt from lockdowns. The designation often sparked debates about worker protection, equity, and which professions truly deserved 'essential' status. The concept has roots in emergency management but became politicized during the pandemic, reflecting broader discussions about labor rights and societal value.
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