The Quad Cities COVID-19 Coalition discussed the affect of the pandemic on senior citizens in the community.
Jennifer Boedeker with St. Ambrose University School of Social Work acknowledged how the aging population was already in a vulnerable position before the coronavirus pandemic.
"Social isolation was already a concern before COVID hit," Boedeker said.
"Now it's even a greater concern because it's really creating this environment for older adults to remain inactive, to stay at home, to not be connected with other people to keep them safe. Which is what we want to do but we have to find ways to combat this social isolation in unique ways."
Boedeker emphasized how important it was for older adults to remain physically, mentally and socially active. With COVID-19, Boedeker said it is even more critically important to be active. The pandemic has led to increased rates of loneliness, depression and anxiety as communities remain disconnected.
Nita Ludwig, Administrator with the Rock Island County Health Department, confirmed two additional people who died from the coronavirus in the county. There are also 32 new cases of the coronavirus meaning 85 people have died during the pandemic and there have been a total of 3,124 cases. There are 21 people currently hospitalized in the county due to the coronavirus.
Ed Rivers, Director of the Scott County Health Department confirmed there have been a 3,059 total cases of the coronavirus in the county and a total of 28 people have died during the pandemic.
