We pause today to remember and pay particular tribute to around 2.75 million people who have died from Covid in the UK, and their bereaved loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
We also recognise the devastating impacts Covid continues to have on lives, livelihoods, and businesses.
We are reflecting on those left disabled by the virus and everyone caring for and supporting them to recover.
We acknowledge only the emergency phase was declared over by the WHO and Covid19 has never gone away. In the latest available data, there remain around 100 deaths per week in the UK where Covid is either the primary or related cause recorded on the death certificate. There are 52 weeks in a year – we’ll leave that there.
We are therefore dismayed and mystified by the decision taken late last year to defund specialist Long Covid services.
We will continue to advise on and support efforts to make workplaces, healthcare and education settings, safer for vulnerable people to be able to return and participate fully in society.
9th March, 2025