The Covid inquiry’s first report, being released by Baroness Hallett, is expected to expose the UK’s pandemic shortcomings and inadequacies. The inquiry, which witnessed the presentation of evidence from 69 experts and political figures, is the first of at least nine reports that will investigate subjects ranging from political decision-making to the virus’ impact on children and the vaccines. The report will examine topics such as the preparedness of the health system, PPE stockpiles, and the planning that was in place.
The pandemic planning in the UK was heavily reliant on plannings for a flu virus, which had a significant impact on the country’s ability to respond to Covid effectively, according to a House of Commons inquiry. The planning was focused on vaccines and antivirals, which had no influence on Covid virus, and it was accepted that only so much could be done to limit the virus’s spread. Matt Hancock, former health secretary, told the inquiry that the UK should have assessed other Asian countries, such as Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea, with the earlier outbreaks of Sars and Mers, instead of heavily relying on vaccines and antivirals.
In addition, austerity and the NHS’ state were blamed for the UK’s lack of preparedness and ability to deal with the pandemic, with the former medical officer, Prof Dame Sally Davies, slamming the NHS’s state for having fewer doctors, nurses, beds, and ventilators than countries with similar populations. The UK has also suffered from depleted public services, leaving it less capable of coping, according to University College epidemiology professor Sir Michael Marmot. The role of Brexit in this regard could also feature during Baroness Hallett’s report.
According to Prof Adam Kucharski from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who was an advisor to the government during the pandemic, preparedness is a vital factor for future threats, making the upcoming report’s findings crucial. Baroness Hallett’s findings are anticipated to necessitate urgency in implementing policies and procedures to better prepare for future outbreaks
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More