Abstract
Governments around the globe have introduced quarantine, lockdown, and mandatory isolation to slow the transmission of COVID-19. These public health and policy measures aim to protect the public and vulnerable people. This perspective paper argues that the impacts of lockdown (such as social disconnection, reduced exercise, and fewer physiotherapy treatments) may be amplified for people with neurological conditions with subsequent increases in frailty. The paper outlines why this may occur, and explores how adverse impacts for these vulnerable populations may be minimized through strategies such as telehealth, exercise programs, and health policies.
Highlights
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, or coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is a pandemic
During COVID-19, other health care provider, such as medical practitioners, have been lawfully permitted to provide care to patients while wearing protective equipment (PPE) on the basis that such services are “essential.” This paper argues that physiotherapy care for people with neurological conditions is “essential” and that governance and regulatory structures should reflect that
Public health regulatory powers should allow for flexibility and the opportunity to meet the public health need, and the needs of vulnerable populations. This perspective paper outlines how people with neurological conditions are a vulnerable population who may be adversely impacted by lockdown during COVID-19
Summary
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, or coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is a pandemic. Each level of lockdown is comprised of varying degrees of restrictions (such as whether non-essential services are able to operate) and lockdowns may be staged The outcomes of these government measures may include social isolation and reduced access to health services. Helmich and Bloem [5] recently argued that there are several “hidden sorrows” and “highly disconcerting consequences” of lockdown, such as the deleterious impact on people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) because of their reduction in physical activity and disengagement with physiotherapists [5] The objectives of this perspective paper are to outline why lockdown can have negative physical, cognitive, and mental health outcomes for people with neurological conditions as well as highlight the potential of telehealth and exercise regimes to minimize such adverse health outcomes. It concludes with a discussion of a perennial problem in public health law and policy: the tension between an individual’s rights and public health
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