PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - David Ian Jeffrey TI - Relational ethical approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic AID - 10.1136/medethics-2020-106264 DP - 2020 Aug 01 TA - Journal of Medical Ethics PG - 495--498 VI - 46 IP - 8 4099 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/46/8/495.short 4100 - http://jme.bmj.com/content/46/8/495.full SO - J Med Ethics2020 Aug 01; 46 AB - Key ethical challenges for healthcare workers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are identified: isolation and social distancing, duty of care and fair access to treatment. The paper argues for a relational approach to ethics which includes solidarity, relational autonomy, duty, equity, trust and reciprocity as core values. The needs of the poor and socially disadvantaged are highlighted. Relational autonomy and solidarity are explored in relation to isolation and social distancing. Reciprocity is discussed with reference to healthcare workers’ duty of care and its limits. Priority setting and access to treatment raise ethical issues of utility and equity. Difficult ethical dilemmas around triage, do not resuscitate decisions, and withholding and withdrawing treatment are discussed in the light of recently published guidelines. The paper concludes with the hope for a wider discussion of relational ethics and a glimpse of a future after the pandemic has subsided.