During the pandemic, Sir Chris Whitty expressed concerns about the prolonged indoor restrictions that negatively impacted children. England’s Chief Medical Officer criticized the handling of school closures during the Covid-19 crisis, suggesting that playgrounds remained shut for an extended period. He highlighted uncertainties regarding the effects of school closures on the younger generation.
Evidence suggests that the lack of in-person learning and social isolation due to the pandemic has had lasting developmental consequences for some children. Sir Chris emphasized the importance of outdoor time, expressing his belief that restrictions on outdoor activities should have been more relaxed, especially for children.
The national lockdown in England from late March to June 2020 restricted people to essential outings only, like purchasing food or seeking medical assistance. Sir Chris was questioned by Inquiry chair Baroness Heather Hallett about the government’s decision-making process regarding the impact on children and youth.
Schools in the UK closed in March 2020, except for children of essential workers and vulnerable individuals. Remote learning was implemented, but challenges arose for families with working parents or poor internet access. Sir Chris acknowledged the adverse effects of isolating children and suggested that a more nuanced approach to school closures could have been beneficial.
Families in high-rise buildings faced isolation and limited access to green spaces during the pandemic. Children in households dealing with mental health and addiction issues also suffered silently. Sir Chris noted the complexity of determining the specific impact of school closures amidst other behavioral changes like increased social distancing.
The decision to close all schools on March 20 was based on escalating pandemic data and modeling predictions of reducing the virus transmission rate. Sir Chris emphasized that school closures contributed to lowering the peak of the pandemic in the first wave, thus potentially reducing Covid-related deaths.
By September, England enforced the “Rule of Six,” restricting social gatherings to six individuals. Sir Chris explained the rationale behind the policy decision, stating that different considerations led to the exclusion of children from the rule in Wales. He suggested alternative measures that could have balanced safety and social interaction more effectively.