COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Update 17 April 2020

Since the imposition of Government restrictions in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we have adjusted the Inquiry’s working arrangements so that the Inquiry’s progress can continue. We have put in place arrangements to use telephone, video, and other technology, and we have made alterations to ensure that witness evidence can continue to be taken as far as possible at the present time, whilst ensuring the safety of individuals is protected. The Inquiry continues to encourage witnesses to get in touch to provide their evidence.

The Chair and Commissioning Body also remain in contact with all key stakeholders that are providing information and documentation to assist the Inquiry’s work. Some of those organisations are however on the front line of the emergency response to the pandemic. This, inevitably and understandably has resulted, and will result, in some interruption to the progress being made in gathering relevant evidence, both in terms of documentation and witness evidence; but the Inquiry continues to work closely with those organisations to ensure the impact of any such delay is minimised.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.