Grandson advocates for inquiry into UK pandemic response

Amos Waldman is deeply affected by the loss of his grandmother, Shelia Lamb, who died of Covid-19 in a care home. She moved there in March 2020, believing it was just a trial, but unfortunately, she became one of the many care home residents who lost their lives to the virus. Waldman says that the experiences his family endured leave them "scarred" and unable to simply move on. Waldman is part of a group called Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. This group is working for a public inquiry into how the UK handled the pandemic. He recalls the distressing conditions during his grandmother's final days, including heavy restrictions on funerals. "A funeral by Zoom?" he questioned, emphasizing that families deserved closure for their losses. He remembers the moment his grandmother fell ill. Initially, they were told it was a water infection, then a chest infection. Waldman shared how painful her last days were and described a troubling phone call he had with her shortly before she passed away. The UK saw nearly 227,000 Covid deaths between March 2020 and May 2023. A public inquiry, started in June 2022, is looking into the government's pandemic response. Its first report, released in July 2024, found that poor preparation led to more deaths and economic harm than necessary. Waldman expressed concern over management during the crisis and stressed the importance of being better prepared for future emergencies. The government has stated that it welcomes the inquiry's insights and agrees that lessons can always be learned.