Britain’s COVID-19 response inquiry enters second phase with political decisions in the spotlight

By PAN PYLAS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s inquiry into the response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the nation has entered the second phase, with political decision-making taking center stage, such as the timing of lockdowns. There has been much criticism as this phase is only set to hear from one bereaved family member. Chair Judge Heather Hallett, insisted on Tuesday that the voices of the bereaved will not be ignored. The phase is called Module 2 and will focus on the British government’s actions during the crisis. The U.K. had one of the world’s deadliest outbreaks, with around 230,000 coronavirus-related deaths up to Sept. 28, according to government statistics. The inquiry has four phases.