Error to open pubs not schools, Covid inquiry told

An inquiry into the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has heard evidence suggesting that prioritizing the reopening of pubs over schools was a mistake.

Experts have argued that schools should have been given priority in reopening to minimize the disruption to children’s education and mental well-being. Instead, pubs were allowed to reopen sooner, leading to a surge in cases and further lockdown measures.

The decision to prioritize pubs over schools has been criticized by many, with calls for a reevaluation of government priorities in the event of future pandemics.