‘A new normal’: inquiry’s key findings on how Covid changed UK society (The Guardian, 4 March 2026)

Summary

The final module in the long-running Covid-19 inquiry has concluded, marking the end of public hearings that began almost three years ago.

While other sections of the inquiry have focused on specific areas of the pandemic, such as the care sector, economy, vaccines and political decision-making, module 10 had a broader remit, looking at the overall impact on society and the legacy left behind.

“This module is about making a permanent record of the impact of Covid-19, lest people forget, and about recommending improvements for the future,” said Heather Hallett, the inquiry chair, at its outset.

This Guardian article highlights some of the key things we learned:

Related reading on the hub:

• "Why should a vulnerable person be expected to tolerate lack of protections against Covid?"
• Respiratory protective equipment: An unequal solution for healthcare workers? A blog by David Osborn