Apr 18, 2020 12:00:00

What are the 'five adverse effects' of maintaining social distance with new coronavirus measures?

Measures to maintain social distance are being implemented in various countries to control the epidemic of the novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19), and many people and social systems are affected. Meanwhile,

Isaac T. Tabner , a senior lecturer in financial studies at Stirling University, argues that ' measuring social distances has a significant negative impact on society.'

Five ways coronavirus lockdowns increase inequality
https://theconversation.com/five-ways-coronavirus-lockdowns-increase-inequality-135767

There is still much unknown about the novel coronavirus, and it is unclear about the exact economic impact of COVID-19's accurate mortality and social distance measures. However, Tabner pointed out that even at the second stage of article creation, measures to keep a social distance will certainly have a negative impact on society. The following five are the inequality and adverse effects that Tabner claims 'increasing social distance'.

◆ 1: Economic inequality
Although older people are at higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, Tabner points out that they have more money at their disposal than people of other age groups. Many elderly people receive pensions, so even if measures to increase social distance are implemented, they are unlikely to be hit economically in the short term.

On the other hand, people who do not have enough savings, such as young people and small self-employed people who are engaged in the gig economy that contracts one-off jobs on the Internet, can not work due to blockade measures. It may cause financial damage. Prolonged social distance strategies can lead to delays in loan and rent payments, and sometimes even the difficulty of buying food.

◆ 2: Access to work
Even though many social activities are suspended to maintain social distance, those who are engaged in jobs essential to health care workers and social systems continue to work. In addition, highly paid desk workers often have the means and know-how to work from home, and some people are lucky to be able to reduce commuting time.

On the other hand, many service industries involving customer service, blue-collar workers, self-employed people, small and medium-sized enterprises, etc. There are also cases where you can't do that at all. In other words, there is a possibility that the disparity between those who can access the work and those who cannot access it may increase due to measures to maintain social distance.

◆ 3: Inequality in educational opportunities
Many educational institutions concerned about the spread of COVID-19 infection

are taking measures such as conducting all classes online . However, some students may not be able to prepare enough equipment, an Internet environment, or a home situation where they can study carefully to take classes. Also, in the future, if all the educational activities are postponed until the end of COVID-19, some students who are financially unfamiliar or do not understand their families have to give up education. May not get.

◆ 4: Healthy inequality
Regular exercise in a natural environment is a great benefit to your mental and physical health. However, only a small number of people can live in areas where beautiful nature is nearby, and people living in urban areas cannot easily come into contact with nature. Tabner believes that if the movement to refrain from going out is prolonged, the people in urban areas may suffer from lack of exercise and lack of contact with nature, which may have adverse health effects.

◆ 5: Social fragmentation accelerates
There are many people who accumulate stress in the emergency situation due to COVID-19, and Tabner says that more people are attacking on SNS against those who go out unnecessarily and find new fun in emergency situations. Pointed out. It seems that if the strategy of keeping the social distance is prolonged, such social division may be deepened and have a long-term adverse effect.