The decision by Government to scrap all Covid restrictions in England will increase fear and anxiety amongst disabled people, according to the national disability charity, Sense, who have released new research showing that in London, one in two (59 per cent) disabled people are fearful of going out in public because of the removal of Covid restrictions.
Saihan Islam, who is Autistic, travelled from his home in Mile End, to join other disabled people and families in Westminster on Monday to hand in a petition to Government, signed by 38,931 people, calling for disabled people to be put at the heart of the public Covid-19 inquiry.
Disabled people have been disproportionality affected by the pandemic. They have faced a higher clinical risk, reduced care support, months at a time shielding, and increased barriers to accessing essentials, such as medical appointments and groceries.
The fear is that with restrictions, and free testing, set to end, and with infection rates still high, many disabled people, and those in at in-risk groups, will feel forced to stay at home, and become more isolated.
According to Sense research, nearly two thirds (64 per cent) disabled people in London believe they are being left behind.
As the country nears the two-year anniversary of the first lockdown, campaigners are keen for the Covid inquiry to begin immediately, with disabled people’s voices at the heart of it. The public Covid-19 inquiry will play a key role in examining the response of government and local authorities to the pandemic, ensuring lessons are learnt for the future.
The petition delivered calls for:
A key section of the inquiry investigating the impact of Covid-19 on disabled people and their families, with them being invited to contribute evidence.
A panel leading the inquiry that is representative of disabled people.
The inquiry to be run in an accessible way so that disabled people can participate and engage with it.
Saihan (18), from Mile End, travelled to Westminster to deliver the petition. Saihan says he had a challenging time during the pandemic, with his routine disrupted, which included his mental health support cease.
