BILTHOVEN – People with a lower education receive the hardest blows from the corona virus. Not only during the current outbreak, but also in the future, warns the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The elderly and people with underlying health problems will also feel the consequences.
People with a lower education more often have chronic complaints, according to the RIVM. If they then become infected with the corona virus, they are more likely to become seriously ill. In addition, they can do their work from home less often and there is a risk of becoming unemployed. This in turn can affect their mental health. “The combination of developments in this area gives a worrying picture, especially if the pandemic continues for a long time,” said RIVM.
The institute recommends taking into account not only public health and the economy when taking corona measures, but also other aspects, such as “loneliness, being able to take control, quality of life and sense of purpose”.
Gap between young and old
The RIVM also sees that a gap has developed between the young and the elderly. This may “put further pressure on solidarity between generations”.
Once the current corona outbreak is over, the danger remains that in the future we will be hit by another pandemic, the flare-up of the corona virus or a new virus. Viruses spread faster and further through international travel. Livestock farming and urbanization also increase the risks. And every year the Dutch become a little more vulnerable to the consequences, warns the RIVM: the population is aging and more and more people are struggling with overweight.
More than half a million Dutch people have already contracted the virus and more than 9,000 people have died from the infection, although the actual numbers are most likely higher. The corona virus is likely to be one of the three main causes of death this year, the RIVM predicts.
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