The government’s ‘herd immunity’ policy resulted in thousands of deaths. A public inquiry is now essential
On 12 March last year, Boris Johnson announced that attempts to contain Covid-19 would be halted and the country would have to accept the spread of the virus. As a global public health expert, this policy decision was baffling to me. The experience of China, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong had already shown us that Covid-19 could be contained through testing, tracing and isolation, border restrictions, social distancing and face coverings. By following this east Asian playbook, England could save lives and avoid harsh, extended lockdowns.
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