"A second systematic review found 38 different categories of delays and/or disruptions that could impact treatment, diagnosis,
or health services"
In other words, it is grossly inaccurate to characterise this as simply a matter of people deciding they did not wish to seek care.
In the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa, for example:
"...one in four centres restricted new patient access. More than 70% of the participating centres reported shortages in blood products, interruptions to surgery, radiation therapy, and medications shortages."
Changes were noted all over the world, w/ no area spared:
"The evidence in this review comes from a wide
range of countries. We could not identify published
studies that showed little or no change in care."
As for the people who *were* paralyzed by fear of COVID-19,
"One of the potentially most harmful longer-term consequences of the responses over the last year...has been the manipulation of fear to encourage compliance with social distancing measures."
We hope you'll listen to former NHS trust chairman, Nick Stokes tell the UK-specific story of how his wife of 46yrs, Joy, couldn't access care during lockdown & how her drs believe she'd be here today if she had.