The Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Baroness Hallett, has officially opened Module 10, titled ‘Impact on Society’. This marks the final phase of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

This module will scrutinise the effects of Covid-19 on the population of the United Kingdom, with particular emphasis on the experiences of key workers, the most vulnerable populations, and those who experienced bereavement during the pandemic. 

Additionally, Module 10 will investigate the consequences of the measures implemented to combat the disease and explore any disproportionate impacts on specific groups. While the pandemic affected everyone, it is crucial to understand why some groups were disproportionately impacted.

The final Module will focus on how certain decisions—such as restrictions on funerals, implementation of workplace safety measures, and closures of places of worship, hospitality, and retail settings—affected specific groups of individuals and the general population of the United Kingdom. Understanding this impact is essential to reduce the likelihood of similar suffering in the future.

Module 10 will examine the impact of the pandemic and related measures on the following groups:

• The general population of the UK, including the impact on mental health and wellbeing.
• Key workers, excluding health and social care workers, but encompassing those employed in the police service, fire and rescue services, education, cleaning, transportation, taxi and delivery services, funeral services, security, and public-facing sales and retail roles.
• The most vulnerable, including those referenced in the Inquiry’s Equalities Statement, as well as clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.
• The bereaved, focusing on restrictions surrounding funeral and burial arrangements and post-bereavement support.

Further details regarding the areas of investigation are provided in the provisional scope for Module 10.