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The societal shocks at the beginning of the 2020s have yet again brought into focus fundamental issues of inequality and distrust. These two corrosive and inter-related factors are the root cause of what inhibits our progress on issues such as improving population health and sustainable healthcare. Based on evidence, the authors provide their perspective to suggests three policy proposals; create a new power social movement for better health and equality; delegation of 'old power' to City Mayors; handing over power and privilege to communities. This is the only way we will break the cycle of decreasing trust and increasing inequality and build a happier, healthier, and more resilient society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge governments and policymakers worldwide. They have rightfully prioritised reducing the spread of the virus through social distancing interventions. However, shuttered business and widespread restrictions on travel and mobility have led to an economic collapse with increasing uncertainty of how quickly recovery will be achieved. Methods The authors carried out a review of publicly available information on the economic intervention's countries have put in place to ameliorate the impact of COVID-19. Results The strategies and scale of economic interventions have been broad, ranging from 2.5% to a reported 50% of Gross Domestic Product. Conclusions Numerous countries are beginning to ease lockdown restrictions and restart economies in different ways. There is therefore evolving, real-world data that should be used dynamically by governments and policymakers. The strategies on restarting the economy must be balanced against the uncertainty of a possible second wave of COVID-19. A nuanced approach to easing restrictions needs to take into account not only immediate risk to life but longer-term risks of widening inequalities and falling life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It's official: The UK is in a recession. The economy has suffered its biggest slump on record with a drop in gross domestic product (GDP) of 20.4%. 1 This is going to have a significant impact on our health and well-being. It risks creating a spiralling decay as we know good health is not only a consequence, but also a condition for sustained and sustainable economic development. 2 In this way, the health of a nation creates a virtuous circle of improved health and improved economic prosperity. How we measure prosperity is therefore important and needs to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]