After listening to evidence in week six of the Module 2 evidential hearings, the Covid Inquiry Podcast panellists agreed that "lessons were not learned after the first wave" of the coronavirus pandemic. Professor Naomi Fulop, said: "The scientific witnesses this week were clear about that."

As the court heard, many professors had given their input to the government, backing their advice up with science. However, many were not listened to.

This week's evidence proves why scientific evidence is needed in this Inquiry and why it is so important to help make recommendations to ensure that further mistakes are not made.

Lorelei King, a member of CBFFJ, said the scientists are "always really good value" and "usually very important" witnesses. Professor Fulop, who is also a member of CBFFJ, said that the scientists giving evidence this week gave really "interesting insights" for people "not involved in that world".

She added: "Decision-makers and politicians often don't have a good understanding or background in scientific method and concepts. The witnesses talked about how that made things more difficult in terms of reaching the right decisions.

"You can go from very low numbers to very high numbers of infection really really quickly, and so that's why it is important to understand those concepts."

Enda McGarrity said: "You can't simply assume very early in the pandemic that Ministers are automatically aware of these epidemiological considerations."

He added: "The scientists should be concerned with what is the best approach as far as science goes."

Naomi said that the people who made decisions, such as delaying lockdowns and allowed Eat Out to Help Out to happen, will "be asked directly about the evidence and be held to account".

What is the aim of the Covid Inquiry Podcast?

In the words of Nicola Brook, the podcast is about "giving real, honest and raw reflections on what evidence is being heard that week."

The Covid Inquiry Podcast will invite a number of guests on each week including members of other Core Participant groups and bereaved family members, who can share various perspectives of the Covid Inquiry, while giving them a chance to have their voices heard.

Get involved with the podcast

If you would like to get involved with the podcast, please email the team at covidinquiry@broudiejacksoncanter.co.uk

To listen to this episode and previous episodes, please check out our YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify pages.