In a somber revelation today, bereaved families shared their experiences of how Covid victims were treated as if they were “toxic waste,” with their personal belongings being placed in Tesco carrier bags. This distressing insight was presented to the UK Covid Inquiry by campaign groups, who emphasized the “human cost” of the nation’s lack of preparedness for the pandemic, including shortages of PPE and testing.
Brenda Doherty, whose mother was the first woman to succumb to the virus in Northern Ireland, described her mother’s body being “double-bagged like toxic waste” and her belongings being “incinerated” after her passing. Similarly, Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, who fell ill with Covid in Wales, recounted how her father’s body was swiftly taken away, and his personal items were handed to the family in a Tesco shopping bag.
This three-year inquiry, situated at offices in Paddington, West London, is divided into multiple sections. The initial phase, which concludes this week, focuses on analyzing the UK’s readiness and resilience in the face of a pandemic. Brenda Doherty, co-lead of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Northern Ireland, emotionally described how her 82-year-old mother contracted the virus while awaiting discharge from the hospital. Tragically, within 12 hours, her mother had passed away.
Reflecting on her mother’s burial, Ms. Doherty shared the heart-wrenching reality that they did not receive her mother’s clothing as it had been incinerated. However, a nurse kindly provided them with a cross. This testimony highlights the urgent need for answers and accountability regarding the UK government’s handling of the pandemic.
The inquiry was initiated in response to extensive criticism of the government’s pandemic response, including the absence of a comprehensive plan and missteps such as discharging elderly individuals from hospitals without testing them and implementing lockdown measures too late. The inquiry aims to address these concerns and deliver justice for the families who have lost loved ones to Covid.
While it remains uncertain whether former Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be questioned during the inquiry, his insights are pivotal to understanding the nation’s response to the crisis, given his leadership role throughout the pandemic. The inquiry will cover six core modules, ranging from examining the UK’s preparedness for a pandemic to investigating government procurement and the care sector.
The precise duration of the inquiry is indeterminate, but it is anticipated to extend over multiple years. Although there is no official deadline, hearings are scheduled to take place across the UK until at least 2025. This prolonged timescale reflects the significance and complexity of the issues at hand.
The emotional testimonies of Brenda Doherty and Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees serve as poignant reminders that the victims of Covid were individuals with lives, dreams, and loved ones. Their experiences underscore the urgent need for change and accountability within healthcare systems. The Covid Inquiry represents an opportunity to address the shortcomings and ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated in the future.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
