Recent outbreaks in Australia and the detection of more virulent SARS-CoV-2 strains suggest that Covid-19 is not yet over. In July 2021, three states in Australia were in lockdown as a result of community transmission of the Delta variant. Despite being effective at mitigating outbreaks, lockdowns could have adverse effects on the elderly and people with dementia. This commentary reviews general lockdown and aged-care lockdown policies in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia and highlights how these could affect the well-being of people with dementia and their caregivers. Drawing from literature on Covid-19 and dementia, this commentary provides pragmatic recommendations on how to consider the well-being of people with dementia and their care providers in Covid-19 management policies.
Keywords: Covid-19; bioethics; dementia; equity; lockdowns; public health ethics.
© 2021 The Hastings Center.