We pause today to remember and pay particular tribute to over a quarter of a 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 World Health Organisation and Covid19 has never gone away. Data is becoming limited however we are aware of many deaths still attributable to Covid each week in the UK.
We are therefore deeply concerned by the lack of basic infectious diseases protocols in many healthcare settings resulting in people contracting Covid whilst attending hospital for unrelated treatment.
We remain dismayed and mystified by the decision taken shortly after the General Election in 2024 to close all specialist Long Covid services in England.
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.
