By Ben Kerrigan-
A lockdown was given “very little thought” ahead of the pandemic and there was a failure to consider the “potentially massive impact” it might have, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has heard.
There was also a lack of forethought around some of the major areas of life affected by the outbreak of a coronavirus pandemic, the inquiry’s lead counsel, Hugo Keith KC, said.
Named as one of the UK’s ‘Stars at the Bar’ in the Chambers and Partners 2015 Guide to the UK Bar, Keith is currently top ranked in no less than seven practice areas by the professional directories to the Bar.
Keith told the first public hearing on Tuesday that, while it might seem “extraordinary” now given the experience the UK has had, there had been “very little debate pre-pandemic” around whether a lockdown might be necessary and how it could be avoided.
He added that little thought was given to how, if it proved to be necessary, something as complex, difficult and damaging as a national lockdown could be put in place at all.
“Equally, there appears to have been a failure to think through the potentially massive impact on education and on the economy in trying to control a runaway virus in this way.”
He said “the months and years that followed (the first lockdown), we all recall, saw death and illness on an unprecedented scale…” as he noted that some 226,977 people died across the UK with Covid-19 recorded on their death certificate.
Highlighting some of the events leading to the first lockdown in March 2020, he said module one of the inquiry will look at the UK’s preparedness and steps taken such as increasing hospital capacity and closing schools.
Huge, urgent and complex policy decisions were required to be taken in relation to shielding, employment support… few of those areas were anticipated, let alone considered in detail
He said: “Was this need for surge capacity (in hospitals) something that had been adequately prepared for?
“How developed were those plans for school closures?”
He said that, by March 26 2020, “the pandemic had the country in its grip” with almost every area of public life across all four nations, including education, work, travel, the majority of public services and family life being adversely affected.
He added: “The hospitality, retail, travel and tourism, arts and culture, and the sport and leisure sectors effectively ceased, even places of worship closed.
“As you know, for very many, what they had to deal with went far beyond the curtailment of their normal lives and involved bereavement, serious illness, deprivation, mental illness, exposure to violence at home, terrible financial loss, loneliness and many other forms of suffering.”
He noted that, while countries might not be able to be perfectly prepared for pandemics, they can “certainly be under-prepared”, as he outlined how few of the major areas of life which were badly affected had been anticipated, “let alone considered in detail”, by the UK Government.
No country can be perfectly prepared, but it can certainly be under-prepared
Hugo Keith KC, lead counsel to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry
“Huge, urgent and complex policy decisions were required to be taken in relation to shielding, employment support, managing disruption to schools, borders, lockdowns, and non-pharmaceutical interventions, restrictions, social restrictions, and, equally importantly, the profoundly unequal impact of the pandemic on the vulnerable and the marginalised.
“Few of those areas were anticipated, let alone considered in detail.”
Addressing inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett, he said: “My lady, no amount of foresight or planning can guarantee that a country will not make mistakes when a disease strikes, but that does not mean that we should not strive to be as ready as we sensibly can be.
“No country can be perfectly prepared, but it can certainly be under-prepared.”
Profound Impact
The implementation of lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the general public. From social and psychological consequences to economic and educational disruptions, the effects of lockdowns have been far-reaching. This article aims to explore the various dimensions of the impact on the public and evaluate whether the UK government was adequately prepared to anticipate and address these consequences in advance.
Social and Psychological Impact
Lockdown measures, characterized by restrictions on movement and social interaction significantly impacted people’s social lives and mental well-being. Extended periods of isolation, the lack of face-to-face social connections, and the disruption of regular routines have led to increased levels of stress, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The toll on mental health has been particularly pronounced among vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, and young people.
Businesses also suffered severe consequences , as did the wider economy. The closure of non-essential businesses, job losses, reduced incomes, and financial uncertainties have led to financial hardships for many.
Small businesses, self-employed individuals, and those working in sectors heavily impacted by restrictions, such as hospitality and retail, have been particularly vulnerable. The economic fallout of lockdowns has exacerbated inequalities and created long-lasting financial challenges for individuals and families.
Educational Disadvantages
The closure of schools and the transition to remote learning have disrupted educational systems, creating significant challenges for students, parents, and educators. The sudden shift to online learning has exposed the digital divide, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds facing limited access to technology and resources.
The lack of in-person interactions, reduced support, and the uneven quality of remote education have widened educational inequalities and impacted students’ academic progress, potentially leading to long-term consequences for their educational attainment and future prospects.
Lockdowns were implemented to curb the spread of the virus, but they also had unintended consequences on public health. Reduced physical activity, limited access to healthcare services, delayed screenings, and postponed medical procedures have had adverse effects on people’s physical health.
Individuals with chronic conditions requiring regular medical attention have faced challenges in managing their health effectively. Moreover, the strain on healthcare systems has had spillover effects, impacting the timely treatment and care for non-COVID-19-related illnesses.
Critics argue that the government could have been better prepared by conducting scenario planning exercises, simulating potential pandemic scenarios, and developing comprehensive contingency plans. These measures could have included provisions for mental health support, strategies to minimize educational disruptions, and financial assistance for affected individuals and businesses.