The ‘Test, Trace and Isolate’ (Module 7) module of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry will look at, and make recommendations on, the approach to testing, tracing and isolation adopted during the pandemic. Counsel made opening submissions on behalf of core participants at the Inquiry.
Our Leslie Thomas KC made an opening submission on behalf of core participant, the Federation of Ethnic Minority Healthcare Organisations (FEMHO). Our Una Morris is also on the legal team, instructed by Cyrilia Knight of Saunders Law.
Leslie stated:
“Before we begin to understand what went wrong with Test, Trace and Isolate (TTI), during the pandemic, we must first address a fundamental question – inclusion. A truly effective public health response is one that serves all communities equitably. It’s not enough for a system to work only for some communities. It must work for all.
“The ability to identify and respond to health crises hinges on how well we address the needs of every individual, regardless of their background, their ethnicity or socioeconomic status. This inquiry is not just about uncovering what went wrong, it’s about ensuring that in the future, every voice is not just heard, but listened to and acted upon.”….
“A TTI system that fails to reach minority ethnic communities fails to achieve its fundamental goal – to protect public health…Even when testing was available, the system failed to account for specific needs of minority ethnic groups – inadequate translation of vital information, limited digital access and language barriers created additional obstacles. “…
“The failure to address socioeconomic factors relevant to the BAME communities not only left these communities vulnerable but also exacerbated existing inequalities. Communities which were already at high risk of poor health outcomes found themselves not only more likely to contract Covid-19, but also more likely to suffer its effect due to inadequate support in place.”…
“If we are to safeguard public health in a future crisis, we must prioritise community engagement at every steps, ensuring that community leaders, especially marginalised groups, are not just consulted, but integrable to the design implementation of the system itself.”
Watch Leslie below:
Our door tenant, Pete Weatherby KC, also made an opening submission on behalf of UK Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. Our Allison Munroe KC and Thalia Maragh are also on the legal team, instructed by Broudie Jackson Canter Solicitors.
