Communication and social inactivity during covid-19 lockdown in Hong Kong : psychosocial implications to individuals with aphasia, their primary caretakers, and healthy adults

Abstract

Purpose: Hong Kong is among the first cities worldwide affected by COVID-19, with the first case confirmed on January 23, 2020, 7 weeks before the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Although it has now been over a year since the onset of outbreak, there are still significant knowledge gaps on the short and long term impacts of COVID-19 on people with aphasia (PWAs) and their primary caretakers. With reference to a reshaped rehabilitation service plan to advocate for people facing disabilities and some pilot findings from an ongoing survey investigation in Hong Kong about PWAs' perspectives on the pandemic, this article aims to highlight the social inactivity and communication challenges posed to PWAs and healthy adults during lockdown. Conclusions: The social isolation and mental implications among PWAs in Hong Kong subsequent to their limited opportunities to engage into social activities during the pandemic were evident. At the same time, one should not neglect the emotional and psychosocial impacts on PWAs' caretakers and other healthy adults. We encourage researchers from different parts of the world, especially developing and undeveloped countries, to explore and share current service delivery to PWAs and corresponding strategic plans to enhance clinical practices in this unprecedented difficult time.