Mona Khashoggi

But what we do know in terms of concern that is available out in literature is that this can actually cause some distress for some of the patients or residents in these care facilities because they sometimes are shielded in terms of what's happening in terms of the wider health care arena and the health care emergency that is ongoing at the moment.

And this is particularly an issue

in terms of patients that might have dementia or other mental health related illnesses in terms of staff wearing personal protective equipment might lead to anxiety and a fear among these residents.

I've got to stress that it's an under-researched area, but the points around loneliness and depressive feelings with physical isolation practices is something that

that warrants further research and thought in terms of the different types of care setting and what might be appropriate in those situations.