With Sydney and other parts of the country well into the latest period of COVID-related lockdown, it is timely to consider the particular impacts being felt by people who are living with chronic health conditions and disabilities.

For people living with chronic conditions and disabilities accessing the community and engaging in social activities may already be challenging, and this challenge is only heightened by COVID-related restrictions. The impact of social isolation on emotional wellbeing has been well documented and can include experiencing low mood, loneliness, anxiety, sleep disturbance, reduced sense of purpose and a loss of motivation, not to mention the flow on effects for managing a chronic condition or maintaining functional independence.