Before the pandemic hit the world in early 2020, there was an argument that some of society’s most vulnerable were largely forgotten about, with accessibility issues and other medical needs not being catered for in the mainstream. Since Covid hit, though, we have been constantly reminded about how the Coronavirus most affects those with underlying health conditions and the responsibility that we all have in order to protect them.

Now, we know that Covid-19 can affect anyone regardless of their age and physical health, but we also know that the older you do have a bearing on how likely you are to suffer from severe symptoms should you contract the virus. This is why protecting older people, as well as those with medical conditions, has been so important for the last year – hence the shielding scheme, implemented in various countries around the world.

As we, slowly, begin to inch out of the pandemic as vaccinations help us to get the virus under control, with more and more evidence pointing to vaccines cutting transmission, the question now is what will the post-covid world look like? Those who have been told they are most at risk must now also regain the confidence to go back outside and return to some semblance of normal life. Having been told for so long of the dangers of mixing with people outside of their household, it will take more than just a little readjustment to feel comfortable doing just that.

How Society’s Most Vulnerable Will Act On A Post-Covid World

The Fear Of Bringing Covid Home

One of the biggest fears of the pandemic has been bringing the virus into the household. Even if a person is not deemed to be vulnerable themselves, if they live with someone that is and they are mixing with others (either socially or through work), there is a risk that they may bring the virus back with them. That way, the person who is being extra cautious still catches the virus.

As vaccinations are administered and society’s most vulnerable receive their doses, the science dictates that even if they do contract Covid-19, they are far less likely to require hospital care than they would be if they contracted the virus without vaccination. However, it will likely take a good deal of time before confidence is restored for many to get back out.

Those With Carers

One of the biggest concerns has been anyone living with carers, or who have caregivers frequently come into the home. Because of this assisted living service providers have taken steps to designate exclusive carers to patients, to reduce the amount of mixing between carers and beneficiaries. Particularly in the early stages of the pandemic, the virus was rife in such settings which, sadly, resulted in high numbers of fatalities amongst the most vulnerable.

There has been a huge push to vaccinate carers and other healthcare professionals, most of which would have received at least a first dose at the beginning of the rollout of vaccines as they were recognized as key workers and, therefore, made a priority. This, then, reduces the chances of bringing the virus into the home of a vulnerable person.

Moving Forward

Although the pandemic continues and many continue to struggle, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us and, the hope is, that sooner than later we will be on the other side of it. Everyone, regardless of age and medical conditions, will soon be able to mix and we can party like it’s 2019.