At the moment there are a lot of things still can not say for sure about the coronavirus, including the mortality rate from it. Unknown and final level of the economic damage caused by measures to slow the spread of the virus taken by States around the world. However, already now it is possible to argue that social exclusion can lead to increased social inequality.
Although the increase in daily mortality is clearly a concern, they should be considered in the context of total mortality from various causes. For example, air pollution is a global problem that is only in Italy every year kills over 80 000 people [1]. However, combating air pollution sources at the moment are insignificant compared to the efforts to combat the immediate, but temporary threat of coronavirus. You can continue a number of significant recurring annual mortality from other preventable causes such as obesity, traffic accidents, or mental illness, and none of which receives much attention as a coronavirus. At the same time, if you pay attention to the main method of dealing with the pandemic of isolation of the population, you may find that it carries its harmful consequences.
Social isolation most acutely affect young people, the poor and needy of social support segments of the population. Here are a few basic factors influencing the exacerbation of inequality.
Access to money
Despite the fact that the older generation to be at greater risk of infection, there usually is more money. Part of their income is based on pensions which, at least in the short term to be less affected by the economic disruption.
Many young people, self-employed and small business owners [2] who do not have savings that would help to survive the isolation, acutely worried of the situation. They struggle to pay the mortgage or rent, and in some cases food, while the issue of state support for many remains open.
Access to work
If you do not consider health and other essential community profession, well-paid professionals of various business sectors, regularly working in the office are likely to have the means and opportunities for effective and favourable work of the house.
In contrast to this category, workers with low skills, personnel, self-employed and small businesses in the hospitality industry, along with many professions, is considered in this situation is irrelevant to the state really are experiencing very difficult times.[3]
Access to education
In March 2020 educational institutions around the world have switched to distance learning. This complicates the situation of those who have no access to high speed Internet connection, no modern gadgets conducive to learning home environment and technical knowledge necessary for online learning, or means to obtain it.
At the moment some teachers urged to suspend all classes and exams until until cleared quarantine. However, this may aggravate the situation, if will lead to the fact that people are initially less committed to education, for example, those who are the first in the family to receive higher education, moving away from him, in that case, if the educational activity is completely suspended.
The consequences of social exclusion for health
For anybody not a secret that regular exercise in the fresh air, walking and Jogging bring significant benefits for both physical and mental health. Isolation restricts the movement of citizens, depriving fresh air of the inhabitants of the less comfortable areas.
Residents of large cities do not have their own land, most acutely the need for open space. Squares and parks, which typically are places for recreation of citizens at the moment are closed. The time spent in isolation, many may subsequently have a detrimental effect on health.
Thus, if the insulation in its present form will be short in duration and effective, its side effects can be managed and resolved. But if in the near future will find a new approach, and the situation will remain unchanged for many months, the company may face serious consequences, not the virus itself, but of social exclusion.
Makarov Danil
Sources
- Italy highest in EU for air pollution-linked deaths
- https://www.thelocal.it/20151130/italy-highest-in-eu-for-pollution-linked-deaths
- Coronavirus: a fifth of smaller UK firms 'will run out of cash'
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52114414
- Coronavirus: Nearly a million universal credit claims in past two weeks
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-52129128
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