Thread by @cv_cev

😅CVF are relieved to announce that we will be representing you in the final section of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry looking at the 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆.

It will consider the effects on keyworkers, vulnerable populations, bereaved, & mental health.

1/12 *Stick with this*

Protective measures were often described as "restrictions" and the lifting of measures described as the return of "freedom".

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🚗 Seatbelts were once seen as a "restriction" by some, but today with evidence & awareness, they are now considered essential for safety.

💨😷 The Covid pandemic was a missed opportunity to normalise airborne protections that protect health and save lives.

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😷 Masks became a culture war battleground instead of being recognised as a simple protective measure.

Now, those who wear them for health reasons face stigma, abuse, and discrimination - when they should be supported.

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Clinically Vulnerable people were briefly *visible* during the height of the pandemic.

It was a chance to educate the public, businesses, and authorities on the importance of high-quality masks, ventilation, and clean air - but that opportunity was lost.

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Covid has not become a seasonal virus - it remains widespread, along with other airborne pathogens.

A smarter approach to ventilation would reduce the spread of infections, not just in a future pandemic but right now.

Investing in clean air makes spaces safer for everyone.
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Immunocompromised people have no preventative medication and can’t rely on #Access2Antivirals.

Many millions of Clinically Vulnerable people (including many former CEV), now face being excluded from vaccinations later this year - leaving them with even fewer protections.

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"Many CV people have felt [.]excluded from a society which left them behind in the rush to escape from 'restrictions' towards the false promise of 'Freedom Day'. Excluded from the workplace from crowded and poorly ventilated spaces and certainly from the public consciousness."
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We're concerned that our voices are not fully integrated into the module’s scope, roundtables, or expert evidence.

Meaningful inclusion is essential for ensuring our experiences and needs are properly represented and considered in recommendations for future pandemic planning.
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The experiences of Clinically Vulnerable people must be included and considered in all subtopics, as the impact was distinct - often more severe.

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Everyone should hope to be Clinically Vulnerable one day - if they want to grow older and stay ‘healthy’ into retirement.

But not all of us are quite so lucky with our health.

All Clinically Vulnerable people deserve recognition and protection under the Equality Act.

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Enshrining protections in law would ensure Clinically Vulnerable people are always considered when it comes to safety measures, 'reasonable adjustments', and anti-discrimination efforts.

👏 @AdamWagner1 for your advocacy today!
@Kim_LHarrison
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