Social inequalities in the face of the health crisis: an assessment of the first containment.

Summary In France, in March-April 2020, an additional 27,000 deaths (+27%) occurred from all causes compared to the same period in 2019, mainly due to excess mortality caused by Covid-19. Île-de-France (+91%) and Grand Est (+55%) were the most affected regions. Older people, those born abroad, and those living in the poorest and most densely populated communes were most affected. The risk of exposure to the virus varied according to social background: blue-collar and white-collar workers were more likely to continue to travel to work outside the home, and poorer people were more likely to live in dense municipalities and overcrowded housing. In addition, the latter are more likely to suffer from obesity or a pathology associated with a high risk of developing a severe form of Covid-19. 715,000 jobs were destroyed in the first half of 2020, primarily in temporary employment. However, the drop in economic activity came mainly from those who remained in employment: their working hours were reduced by 34% on average from 16 March to 10 May. Short-time working mainly affected blue-collar workers (54%) and white-collar workers (36%), while managers worked more at home (81%). A quarter of households feel that their financial situation has worsened as a result of the lockout, particularly those who have reduced their activity, those with children and those whose income was initially low. For the future, a quarter of people thought, at the end of April, that they would have difficulty paying their rent, their mortgage or their utilities in the next twelve months. People living alone more often than couples found confinement difficult (31% versus 24%). Access to a private outdoor space and the size of the dwelling also had an impact on this feeling, especially for low-income households or those with children. In confinement, women continued to do most of the housework and parenting, even when they were working outside: 19% of women and 9% of men aged 20 to 60 spent an average of at least four hours a day on housework. 43% of mothers and 30% of fathers spent more than six hours a day caring for children. 13% of those in couples argued more frequently than usual. One-third of academically challenged high school students spent three or more hours on schooling, compared with half of good students. Students from modest backgrounds or with academic difficulties more often encountered difficulties with materials or getting help from their parents. During confinement, more people engaged in music, dance, drawing, painting and sculpture, audio or video editing, or scientific or technical activities. The social gaps in amateur cultural practices have narrowed.