In Europe, before the Covid-19 pandemic, nearly 40 % of people lacked the basic digital skills needed to access digital spaces and services . Such a divide increases vulnerability in reaching timely and appropriate health care. It also increases exposure to various unfavourable health indicators, such as depression and loneliness. During the Covid-19 pandemic, this vulnerability increased, especially among older persons, resulting in inequities in vaccine access across countries.
The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of being able to access digital platforms on an equal basis. Digital technologies, such as mobile phones, made it possible to organise rapid contact tracing, symptom checking, advice seeking and receiving online health care (e.g., tele-medicine, online prescriptions), and to advance public communication and education. With billions of people in self-isolation, digital environments enabled access to valid and updated information, including self-care guidelines and health-care services. They provided a vital means for people to connect with each other while minimising their exposure to infectious disease.
Digital access for older persons
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many older adults used traditional media, such as television and newspapers, as sources of information about the virus and protective measures. These were accessible to nearly everyone, whereas electronic information was accessible to less than half. It is important to secure access to appropriate offline information along with the access to online information.
Those with limited levels of education, who live alone or lack social support or have impaired cognitive functioning are often more challenged when accessing digital spaces. Significantly older persons (i.e. persons over the age of 85) are less likely to use digital devices and to access digital information.
Mediation for Roma - Latvia
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased the challenges facing Roma parents and children alike, and communication and dialogue between Roma families and municipality institutions.
In March 2020, the Ministry of Culture updated its Guidelines for Roma mediators to provide Roma mediation services at the municipal level. The Guidelines include the provision of regular information to Roma families on prevention measures regarding the Covid-19 virus. In February 2021, additional financial support for Roma mediation services was provided to cope with the constraints and precautionary measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Access to online learning for Roma children - Greece
Following a ministerial decision to suspend all school services during periods of lockdown, it was decided to support Roma students attending primary and secondary education. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, equal access and distance learning for Roma students was ensured by offering them a 200 euros voucher to purchase equipment (tablet, laptop, desktop). Τhe voucher was awarded based on low family income (up to 6,000 euros) and social criteria which resulted in support given to 325,000 families with 560,000 dependent children and young people aged 4 to 24 years.
