The Covid-19 Inquiry has sparked a renewed discussion on the effectiveness of lockdown measures. Following the release of its extensive 760-page report, various commentators have selectively quoted from it to align with their existing viewpoints. However, the overarching conclusion of the largest public inquiry in British history is unequivocal – the absence of lockdowns would have resulted in an unacceptable and unconscionable loss of life, with the National Health Service facing overwhelming challenges.
Baroness Heather Hallett, the inquiry’s chair, highlighted that while full national lockdowns might have been avoidable, they ultimately became imperative due to the inaction of the government during the pandemic, notably under the leadership of Boris Johnson. Initially, there was a dismissive attitude towards lockdowns, mirroring the disdain for similar actions taken by the Chinese government in Wuhan and other cities early in the pandemic.
The delay in implementing preventive measures in the UK led to the necessity of lockdowns. Lady Hallett emphasized the missed opportunities in February 2020, labeling it as a “lost month.” She pointed out that timely enforcement of softer and sustainable measures like contact tracing, self-isolation, and mask-wearing could have curbed the virus spread, potentially reducing the need for a prolonged lockdown.
Critics of lockdowns, often the same individuals opposing basic preventive measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, inadvertently contributed to the situation that mandated lockdowns. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s public display of shaking hands in March 2020, despite advice against it, symbolized the government’s lax approach towards containing the virus.
The inquiry highlighted that the premature easing of restrictions in July 2020 heightened the risk of a second lockdown, as acknowledged by Mr. Johnson himself. The report underlined the importance of a more cautious approach to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system and test and trace capabilities.
Lockdowns could have been avoidable had stricter measures been implemented earlier. However, the rush to reopen following the initial lockdown set the stage for another inevitable lockdown. The broad scope of the public inquiry underscores the need to learn from past mistakes and ensure that the true lessons are not obscured by the voices that inadvertently necessitated lockdowns.