Chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty is scheduled to provide evidence at the Covid-19 Inquiry in what is expected to be a crucial and eagerly awaited testimony. Known for his prominent role throughout the pandemic, Sir Chris’s appearance is projected to span the entirety of Tuesday and potentially extend into Wednesday.
This testimony follows former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance’s insights into the pandemic handling by former prime minister Boris Johnson and his ministers. Sir Patrick’s revealing diary entries have provided remarkable glimpses into his perspective on Mr. Johnson, Rishi Sunak, and the decision-making process during the crisis.
During Monday’s proceedings, the inquiry learned that Mr. Johnson was sometimes overwhelmed by the graphs and data presented to him, leaving him feeling “bamboozled” and occasionally as a “broken” man. The prime minister was seen struggling to retain scientific information and, at one point, questioning whether the spread of Covid was due to the nation’s libertarian ideals.
On Monday, criticisms resurfaced regarding Mr. Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which aimed to revitalize the restaurant industry after lockdown measures were lifted in August 2020. It has been revealed that Sir Chris privately referred to it as “eat out to help out the virus.” Consequently, he can expect inquiries into this initiative during his testimony.
Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, Sir Chris Whitty’s former deputy, is also slated to provide evidence later in the week. As the Covid-19 Inquiry continues, the testimonies of these key figures offer valuable insights into the decision-making process and the challenges faced during these unprecedented times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Covid-19 Inquiry?
The Covid-19 Inquiry is an investigation conducted to assess the decision-making process and handling of the pandemic by government officials in the United Kingdom.
2. Who is Sir Chris Whitty?
Sir Chris Whitty is the chief medical officer for England and has been a prominent figure throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing expert advice and guidance to the government.
3. What is Sir Patrick Vallance’s role in the inquiry?
Sir Patrick Vallance is the former chief scientific adviser and has provided insights into the pandemic handling by the government and key decision-makers.
4. What is the Eat Out To Help Out scheme?
The Eat Out To Help Out scheme was an initiative launched in August 2020 by the UK government to encourage people to dine in restaurants and support the struggling hospitality industry after the national lockdown.