Will COVID-19 be a watershed moment for health inequalities?, The Health Foundation

Key points: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the wider governmental and societal response, have brought health inequalities into sharp focus. People facing the greatest deprivation are experiencing a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 and existing poor health puts them at risk of more severe outcomes if they contract the virus. This is exposing the structural disadvantage and discrimination faced by parts of the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. The government and wider societal measures to control the spread of the virus and save lives now (including the lockdown, social distancing and cancellations to routine care) are exacting a heavier social and economic price on those already experiencing inequality. The consequences of this action, and the economic recession that is likely to follow, risk exacerbating health inequalities now and in years to come. As we move from crisis management to recovery, government, businesses and wider society all have a role to play in giving everyone the opportunity to live a healthy life. Restoring the nation to good health will require a new social compact, backed by a national cross-departmental health inequalities strategy. Action needed will include protecting incomes, improving the quality of jobs and homes, and supporting critical voluntary and community services.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news