Social isolation continues after the Corona crisis

The degree of social isolation varies from staying completely indoors to not going outside or going out much, for example, serving food or theatre.

Even after most of the corona measures have been relaxed, people are still living in social isolation to prevent exposure to the corona virus. They avoid social contacts, such as visiting acquaintances, the theater, or serving food. This applies to two percent of the participants in behavioral research From RIVM from last March.

The degree of social isolation varies from staying completely indoors to not going outside or going out much, for example, to serving food or theatre. Social isolation is six times more common among participants with an acute immune disorder and nearly three times more common among participants with another medical condition than among participants without a medical condition.

Causes of social isolation
Research reveals several causes of social isolation. Some people who live in social isolation fear infection due to a serious immune disorder and/or other medical condition, such as (serious) obesity or chronic illness.

In addition, there are people who live in social isolation, while they themselves are not at increased risk of contracting a dangerous course of COVID-19. Reasons for social isolation within this group range from protecting a loved one to fear of the virus or uncertainty about an individual’s health risks. A third group relates to people who are more alert after relaxation, but report that they gradually engage in social activities again.

Support question
Only one in five participants living in social isolation has a request for support. In particular, participants with a severe immune disorder or other medical condition often require support. For example, they require reinsertion of the aura scales or the faster and wider presentation of repeated injections.

Negative effects on mental and physical health
In-depth interviews show that perceived social isolation is associated with lower mental health. Interviewees miss social contacts, feel lonely and misunderstood. Social isolation also has negative consequences for work and physical health, and for keeping children home away from school (for a longer period of time).

more information
People are in social isolation due to the Corona crisis