Social distancing can have unintended consequences

The rapid implementation of social distancing is necessary to flatten the coronavirus curve and prevent the pandemic from worsening.

But just as Covid-19 threatens to cause an economic recession, it might also cause what we might call “social recession” - a collapse in social contact that is particularly hard on the population most vulnerable to isolation and loneliness.

This group include the elderly, people with disabilities and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Staying away from each other, avoiding large gatherings and close contact with each other are crucial for slowing the spread of coronavirus and preventing our health care system from getting overwhelmed, but it won’t be easy.

Over long periods of time, social isolation can increase the risk of variety of health problems, including heart diseases, depression, dementia and even death.

A research at Brigham Young University found out that chronic social isolation increases the risk of mortality by 29 per cent. This may be because social contacts can buffer the negative effects of stress.

Studies have shown that having a friend present can reduce a person’s cardiovascular response to a stressful task. Just knowing that you have someone you can count on if needed is enough to dampen some of these responses even if that person is not physically present.

Human beings evolved to feel safest in groups, and as a result, we experience isolation as a physical state of emergency.

The value of social connection has become baked into our nervous system such that the absence of such a protective force creates a stress state in the body.

Loneliness causes stress and long-term or chronic stress leads to more frequent elevation of a key stress hormone - cortisol.

It is also linked to higher levels of inflammation in the body. This, in turn, damages blood vessels and other tissues, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and premature death.

If stress is a pathway by which loneliness damages health, then even beyond its direct dangers, coronavirus is a threat as it is terrifying and isolating.

No one knows how isolation enforced by the epidemic will affect those at the highest risk, but even those who avoid the worst consequences will see their quality of life degrade.

Local clubs, religious services, learning institutions and the time with family bring social structure and joy to many of our lives, but they are particularly important touchpoints for those who don’t work or can’t go on their own due to age or health conditions.

Everyone should follow the World Health Organisation recommendations about social distancing and quarantining but at the same time try and remain socially-connected mostly online to avoid full degradation of the social system.

Hinda Edwin, Maseno University