2020: COVID-19 vs Social Isolation: the Impact Technology can have on Communities, Social Connections and Citizen

Marston, Hannah, Musselwhite, Charles and Hadley, Robin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4254-7648 (2020) 2020: COVID-19 vs Social Isolation: the Impact Technology can have on Communities, Social Connections and Citizen. Ageing Issues Blog.

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Abstract

Less than three months into the new year the UK and the majority of the world would be fighting COVID-19. This virus is causing havoc and it is not selective in whom it attaches itself to, whether you are poor, wealthy, a celebrity, an older adult, or a new-born child. However, the advice given, and how we are able to protect ourselves varies between wealth and crucially age. Late in the afternoon on the 16th March 2020, the UK Government advised that individuals and communities across the country should not undertake unnecessary forms of socialising such as attending a theatre production, drinking a pint or gently sipping a gin and tonic in one’s local. Mass gatherings culminating in sports events – the premiere league, super league, the six nations and the London marathon have either been put on hold or will be in the coming days and weeks. Citizens of the UK and worldwide have been informed by their respective governments and law enforcement agencies not to take unnecessary activities. In some instances, curfews have been implemented with the threat of fines and/or imprisonment for breaching those controls.