The Story The week that cost 23,000 lives
Nov 21, 2025
Eleanor Hayward, Health Editor at The Times, shares her insights on the recent COVID inquiry findings, revealing stark criticisms of Boris Johnson's government. She discusses how a one-week lockdown delay led to approximately 23,000 additional deaths and the chaotic decision-making during early 2020. Hayward highlights the clash between scientific advice and political indecision, the toxic culture within Downing Street, and the impact of confusing policies. She also acknowledges the rapid vaccine rollout as a rare success amid early failures.
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Reading The Report Felt Like A Crash
- Hayward recalls reading the report in a lock-in and feeling anxious as each day of delay accumulated.
- She describes the experience as like watching a slow-motion car crash with each extra day costing lives.
One Week Cost 23,000 Lives
- The report ties a one-week delay to about 23,000 avoidable deaths in March 2020.
- Eleanor Hayward says the day-by-day delays read like a slow-motion catastrophe.
Scientists Urged Faster Action
- Scientific advisers largely urged earlier, stronger measures during the crucial week.
- Hayward says ministers were the ones who continued to delay despite that advice.