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The recent conclusion of witness hearings for the UK Covid inquiry has brought forward a wave of emotional testimonies from bereaved families, highlighting the profound impact of the pandemic on their lives. Among the last voices to be heard was Rivka Gottlieb, who shared the harrowing story of her father, Michael, a vibrant 73-year-old whose life was cut short by Covid-19. As the inquiry wraps up its initial phase, families continue to grapple with their loss and seek accountability for the decisions made during the crisis.
A Father’s Unimaginable Farewell
Rivka Gottlieb spoke with deep sorrow about her father’s final days. Michael Gottlieb, who was active and engaged in his community, fell ill in March 2020, shortly after Covid-19 was first acknowledged in the UK. Both he and Rivka’s mother, Mili, were admitted to separate wards at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Initially, the family hoped for a quick recovery. Rivka recalled, “We were just expecting him to be given a bit of oxygen and then he’d be sent home.”
However, as Michael’s condition worsened, he communicated the distressing news via WhatsApp that he was to be placed on a ventilator. Just two weeks later, the family faced the devastating reality that Michael would never return home. “It was a dark and terrifying time,” Rivka expressed, sharing her struggle to receive updates from the hospital. Her mother was discharged after a week but now suffers from long-term health issues stemming from her Covid experience.
The Emotional Toll of Isolation
The recent hearings, which spanned over eight hours, featured poignant testimonies from many relatives who lost loved ones during the pandemic. The inquiry has gathered evidence from 381 witnesses across the UK and reviewed over 600,000 documents, including personal diaries and messages. The testimonies revealed the heart-wrenching consequences of social distancing measures that prevented families from being with their loved ones during their final moments.
Glen Grundle, who lost his mother, Milda, at the age of 73, shared his grief: “My mum left in an ambulance and I never saw her again. The doors shut, and that was it. I have no closure and no peace over it.” His sentiments echoed those of many others who faced the painful reality of separation, often unable to ask critical questions about their relatives’ health.
Costs and Controversies Surrounding the Inquiry
Since its inception, the inquiry has drawn significant scrutiny regarding its rising costs, currently standing at £204 million, with an additional £111 million allocated for government legal and staffing expenses. The inquiry, initiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021, has been divided into ten modules addressing various aspects of the pandemic response, from political decision-making to the vaccine rollout.
Baroness Hallett, who chairs the inquiry, acknowledged the financial burden but expressed hope that the findings would ultimately validate the expense. “I said at the outset that this would cost a lot of money and take time. It has done. But I genuinely believe it has been worth it,” she remarked, aiming to reassure the public of the inquiry’s importance.
Despite the costs, bereaved families like those represented by Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK continue to advocate for justice and accountability. Rivka expressed her fears that lessons from the pandemic may not be learned, stating, “Six years on and people have forgotten what happened. But there will be crises in the future, and I’m worried that the lessons of the pandemic will just not be learnt.”
Lasting Impact of the Inquiry
The inquiry has not only shed light on individual tragedies but also explored the broader societal implications of the pandemic, including the impact on mental health, vulnerable populations, and the closure of various social and cultural institutions. With over 227,000 deaths attributed to Covid-19 in the UK between March 2020 and May 2023, the inquiry has become a critical platform for families seeking justice and clarity.
Katherine Poole, the final witness to testify, shared her father’s tragic story, recalling his last words as he was admitted to a mental health facility. “You won’t leave me, will you?” her father asked. “That will stay with me forever because, ultimately, I did leave him.” Katherine’s testimony encapsulated the profound sense of loss and disconnection experienced by countless families during this unprecedented crisis.
Why it Matters
The UK Covid inquiry serves as a vital reflection on the pandemic’s devastating human cost and the need for accountability in public health decision-making. As families continue to mourn their losses, the inquiry’s findings will play a crucial role in shaping future health policies and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. The stories shared during the hearings remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of community and connection during times of crisis.
