Leading doctors and charities in the UK are expressing their anger and frustration that representatives from Long Covid Groups have been excluded from the COVID-19 inquiry. Module 4 of the inquiry, which focuses on the roll-out of vaccines, therapeutics, and anti-viral treatments, will be chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett. However, Hallett has made the decision to exclude representation from any Long Covid Group.
The Long Covid Groups, comprising of charities such as Long Covid Kids, Long Covid Physio, Long Covid SOS, and Long Covid Support, had applied to be recognized as Core Participants in Module 4 but were refused. This exclusion sends the message that the inquiry does not see the need to investigate pharmaceutical interventions that could prevent and treat Long Covid, and ignores the significant impact that Long Covid has had and continues to have on many people in the UK.
Jane Ryan, a partner at the law firm Bhatt Murphy, which represented the Long Covid Group in previous modules of the inquiry, expressed her view that the decision highlights the inequality between ordinary members of the public seeking accountability and the government. She emphasized the importance of the inquiry considering the long-term harm caused by Covid-19 and avoiding the mistakes made throughout the pandemic.
Long Covid Kids, the first registered charity advocating for families and children with Long Covid, is currently supporting 11,000 families. The omission of Long Covid Groups from Module 4 has left the trustees and CEO of the charity angry. They believe it is crucial for the inquiry to prioritize the voices and experiences of young patients who are still struggling with their health after being infected.
Ondine Sherwood, co-founder of Long Covid SOS, emphasized the importance of including the voices of those with Long Covid in discussions about vaccinations and therapeutics. She raised questions about why Long Covid patients were not considered a priority group for vaccines or early intervention with antivirals, despite the harm caused by the original infection and the risks of reinfection.
Renowned immunologist Professor Danny Altmann expressed his confusion and disappointment at the exclusion of Long Covid sufferers. He stressed that the impact of Covid-19 cannot be fully understood without considering the experiences of those with Long Covid and highlighted the wide-ranging effects of the condition on individuals and society as a whole.
The Office of National Statistics has also reported an increase in the number of people not in employment or looking for employment since the pandemic began, further emphasizing the ongoing impact of Long Covid.
The symptoms of Long Covid include fatigue, cognitive impairment, headaches, skin disorders, depression, gastrointestinal issues, chest pains, and more.