IMPACTS OF COVID-19

1. SOCIAL IMPACT-

1.1. Self isolation at home leading to inactivity and possible health concerns (weight gain).

1.2. Self isolation also leading to feelings of loneliness and depression because of a loss of connection with loved ones.

1.3. Increase in domestic violence as spouses takes out anger and stress caused by pandemic on their spouses.

1.4. "New norms" of celebrating birthdays and other milestones while practicing social distancing. (parade of cars)

1.5. Increases in substance abuse as people turn to alcohol or other substances to cope.

1.6. Possible increase in divorce rate as partners spend more time together which can cause added conflict and tension.

1.7. Possible increase in suicide rate as people feel helpless and have no hope due to concerns surrounding pandemic.

1.8. Cancellation of large social gatherings like concerts and sporting events leads to feelings of disappointment and sadness.

1.9. Increase in number of people in need of financial support and homelessness due to financial burden caused by COVID-19

1.10. Increase in need for social assistance and gov't support.

1.11. Family members concerned for elderly parents/grandparents especially those living in long-term care and retirement homes.

1.12. Family members coping with loved ones who passed because of COVID-19 and were not able to see them or have a proper funeral for them leading to increased anxiety and sadness.

2. RELIGIOUS IMPACT-

2.1. New protocols to adjust to once places of worship are re-opened.

2.2. Loss of connection to other parishioners with masses and other religious gatherings cancelled leading to feelings of isolation.

2.3. Loss of faith for many as they witness the pain and suffering caused by the pandemic. However, many others may turn to God for guidance during this uncertain time.

2.4. Special ceremonies postponed and/or cancelled (weddings etc.)leading to feelings of sadness and stress.

3. POPULATION DYNAMIC-

3.1. Elderly population hardest hit as long-term care homes and retirement homes deal with outbreaks.

3.2. Increased number of related deaths in the country due to pandemic.

3.3. It's yet to be determined whether stay-at-home and quarantine orders will result in a "baby boom" and a spike in births.

4. EDUCATIONAL IMPACT-

4.1. Shift to on-line learning due to school closures has resulted in less engagement and accountability.

4.2. This can negatively impact learning and grades which increases anxiety and stress.

4.3. Less interaction with teachers and peers leading to feelings of isolation and sadness.

4.4. Uncertainty surrounding graduation and acceptance into post-secondary.

4.5. Cancellation of special ceremonies like prom and graduation also leads to feelings of "missing out" and being robbed of the semilestones.

4.6. Ongoing uncertainty around the "new norm" with regards to education and what that will look like next year.

5. TOLL ON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM-

5.1. Higher costs of health-care due to an increase in number ofpatients in hospital due to COVID-19.

5.2. Over-worked nurses and doctors leading to increased stress and anxiety.

5.3. Fears that health care workers will get virus and potentially Infect family members also leading to increased stress/anxiety.

5.4. Shortage of medical staff to combat growing number of cases

5.5. Disruption of services and support for the most vulnerable (individuals with disabilities, mental health issues)

5.6. Elective and cancer surgeries postponed which may lead to Further health issues and costs in the future

5.7. Other medical conditions taking a back seat which may impacthealth in the long-run.

6. NEW SOCIETY NORMS-

6.1. Large gatherings/events prohibited currently

6.2. Social distancing procedures in public spaces both indoor and outdoor.

6.3. People urged to self-isolate at home as much as possible.

6.4. Masks and gloves mandatory in some retail stores/spaces.

6.5. Physical touching (hugs and handshaking) may become a thing of the past.

6.6. New stricter policies and procedures to be implemented with regards to sports teams and events.

7. POSITIVES THAT EMERGE

7.1. Environmental benefits due to less pollution because

7.2. of decreased use of cars, buses trains, planes and ships.

7.3. Deeper connection to family as more time spent at home to engage in "family time".

7.4. Increased community spirit as everyone rallies to support our most vulnerable by volunteering and donating to various causes.

7.5. Revived appreciation for the outdoors and life's simpler pleasures.

7.6. Re-examining our culture of over-consumption. Coming to realize what's important in life -- family, friends and our health.

7.7. A wake-up call on how we must become better prepared for future pandemics. We will learn great lessons from this experience.

8. SUPPLY SHORTAGES- .

8.1. Increase in anxiety due to shortages in supplies/goods.

8.2. Individuals "stock-piling" goods trying to profit off pandemic.

8.3. Price gouging by companies to earn extra profit.

8.4. Supply chain impacted by stock-piling of goods and also due to factory closures.

9. ECONOMIC IMPACT-

9.1. Increased government debt as policies implemented to assist both workers and employers.

9.2. Financial crisis/Recession in the country is likely due to significant down-turn in economy.

9.3. Massive job losses and business closures. Loss of jobs and businesses leading to increase in stress,anxiety and depression for many due to financial hardships.

9.4. Economic hardship having major impact on mental health.

9.5. Businesses must develop new ways to do business and make a profit. They must implement social distancing procedures that will ultimately impact their bottom line.

10. POTENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

11. POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS