Accra:Government failures during the COVID-19 pandemic left care homes in the UK inadequately protected, resulting in the virus spreading rapidly among elderly and vulnerable populations, According to findings of the country's public inquiry into the pandemic.

According to Anadolu Agency, Heather Hallett, chair of the COVID-19 inquiry, identified a 'significant omission' in the government's failure to advise that patients discharged from hospitals into care homes should be isolated. This oversight contributed to the spread of the virus among residents and staff in care facilities.

Hallett noted that the adult social care sector seemed to be an afterthought, with the focus on 'protecting the NHS' sometimes coming at the expense of care home users and providers. The lack of sufficient protection for care homes created conditions where the virus could spread 'like wildfire.'

The inquiry also addressed the emotional impact of restrictions that prevented visits to care homes, which Hallett stated caused 'immense emotional harm' to residents, leading to profound feelings of isolation and abandonment. She emphasized the distress faced by those who were not allowed to be with their dying loved ones, leaving many with undeserved feelings of guilt.

The pandemic's impact on the UK's adult social care sector was severe, with more than 43,000 people dying from COVID-19 in care homes between March 2020 and July 2022.