Introduction to COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious virus that was first identified in the province of Hubei, Central China in 2019. Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, is where the first cases of this zoonotic virus were identified. The global pandemic of coronavirus officially began in March 2020.
COVID-19 in the UK
In January 2020, the first two cases of COVID-19 were seen in the UK. By March 2020, deaths started occurring in the UK and cases began to rise rapidly. During this time, there were concerns about the behavior of Matt Hancock, the health minister.
High-Risk Groups
Older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as high
blood pressure, heart issues, respiratory problems, and diabetes are at a
higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19.
Impact on Care Homes
The pandemic had a significant impact on care homes. Between the first and
second waves of the pandemic, the total deaths of care home residents in
England increased by 16.5%.
[Age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) of deaths involving COVID-19
for those aged 10 to 100 years by ethnic group and sex, England: 24
January 2020 to 23 November 2022] ONS
During Wave 2 and the emergence of the Alpha variant, data showed that
mortality rates were higher among Bangladeshi and Pakistani males.
Hospital Policies and Funerals
Due to infection control measures, interpreters, translators, and family members were not allowed on hospital sites. Funerals were conducted with closed caskets and limited attendees, adding to the emotional toll of the pandemic.