Reflection on the Dutch Evening Lockdown 21w47

Description

The Dutch government issued on 211126 that all non-essential shops and hospitality should close >17 PM to reduce social contact (>20%) and requested all citizens to stay at home as much as possible. The sixth wave of Covid-19 that triggered this lockdown basically reflected the majority of Dutch adults who did not adhere to basic measures that had been established in march 2020 (e.g., social distancing, stay home with symptoms, test, hygiene) and the 11% unvaccinated adults. Vulnerable groups include people with pre-existing mental health problems, elderly and people with compromised immune functioning (who have to keep themselves save), single mothers, and adolescents and emerging adults. The government was wise to keep the schools and secondary education open to dampen the impact of this adult failure on children, adolescents, and emerging adults. The broader public finally starts to realize that this pandemic will continue for a while and they need more perspective. Dutch public mental health continued to deteriorate over 2021 and evidently anxiety (e.g., Omicron), frustration, hopelessness, and polarization are on the rise. Daily social contact with a good friend, physical activity outdoors, and hobbies are recommended to sustain subjective well-being in the coming weeks, and to combat loneliness.