Alone Together

Even prior to Covid-19, loneliness posed a significant public policy challenge. Loneliness intersects with other wellbeing factors, so prioritising wellbeing requires policies that allow social interaction to thrive. Prolonged loneliness also creates significant public health risks. Covid-19 thrust loneliness into greater prominence with enforced social isolation compounded by considerable employment and income loss. The level 4 lockdown contributed to an increase in self-reported loneliness, especially among those already at risk. Future analysis will determine the full impact of Covid-19 on loneliness; in the meantime, policy to enable social interactions to thrive will be an important part of the recovery.