References

What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and wellbeing? WHO Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67. 2019. https://tinyurl.com/ybhflqx6 (accessed 3 June 2020)

Little P, Stuart B, Hobbs FD An internet-delivered handwashing intervention to modify influenza-like illness and respiratory infection transmission (PRIMIT): a primary care randomised trial. Lancet. 2015; 386:(1004)1631-1639 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60127-1

Public Health England. Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19. 2020. https://tinyurl.com/y9x99yem (accessed 3 June 2020)

United Nations. Policy brief: COVID-19 and the need for action on mental health. 2020. https://tinyurl.com/yasl3xx2 (accessed 3 June 2020)

World Health Organization. World report on ageing and health. 2015. https://tinyurl.com/yd6ybzfw (accessed 3 June 2020)

Will life ever be the same again?

02 July 2020
Volume 25 · Issue 7

In addition to the life-threatening physical health complications of COVID-19, the global viral infection also has major mental health consequences (United Nations, 2020). Its impact is causing major economic dislocations, with sudden unemployment and its knock-on effect upon household finances. In addition to this, there been uncertainty about personal and family health and the prohibition of personal contact with family outside the household and friends. Even those who have not experienced anxiety and depression previously have been challenged by the lockdown. This has spanned generations, from children through to older people, those in work or whose work was temporarily suspended and those not in work.

The contribution of public service staff and those who have kept food and household essentials flowing in the shops has been rightly acknowledged as ‘key’ work, and they have continued to be paid, while those who worked in the live arts and other cultural activities have been almost forgotten. Indeed, musicians and others whose talents we enjoy and enrich our lives are barely mentioned despite their income being impacted for the foreseeable future, with social distancing making the viability of concerts and theatres questionable and audiences reduced to about one-third of previous capacities. Yet, there is a growing body of evidence that the arts, including music, have health benefits, including on mental health and wellbeing (Fancourt and Finn, 2019).

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