Poverty and inequality: recent trends and expected impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis found Latin America in a period of low growth which, coupled with the worldwide economic downturn and the necessary mobility restrictions imposed by governments to minimize the public health effects of the pandemic, resulted in a sharp decline in activity, employment and income from work. In the countries of the region for which up-to-date information is available, the increase in unemployment was smaller than expected given the extent of the contraction in activity. This was the result of two factors: on the one hand, many of those who lost their jobs stopped looking for a new job; and on the other hand, a number of people stopped working but retained their employment contracts. According to current definitions, no one in either of these situations is counted as an unemployed person (see chapter II).

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Good Health and Well-Being