Ethics and equity in the time of coronavirus

ABSTRACT

Government responses and lockdowns, even done well, have also caused increased morbidity and mortality by a reduction in patients seeking treatment for non-COVID-19 conditions, and the postponement of therapy such as surgery and preventive screening. This opportunity cost of the lockdown also includes the morbidity and mortality induced by unemployment and mental health issues. Whether these risks of lockdown are outweighed by the projected lives saved from dying of COVID-19 has still to be adequately analysed both here and overseas, but such analyses are essential in understanding the circumstances under which such measures are ethically justified. Equity of information-provision has been problematic. There have been issues of access to digital information and telehealth, especially for people who are poor or homeless.29 Understanding the risks, benefits and ethics of virtual healthcare is evolving concurrently with its widescale implementation.