In the strange, uncertain days of early 2020, the world was suddenly upended by the outbreak of a terrifying new virus. There were moments when it seemed certain that every aspect of society would be profoundly altered. Five years on, the impact of Covid-19 remains significant.
In the UK alone, more than 220,000 lives were lost, contributing to a global toll of over seven million deaths. Communities across the UK demonstrated an extraordinary level of solidarity, transcending professional, religious, and social boundaries to support one another. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers at the NHS worked tirelessly on the front lines, saving lives despite immense pressure.
Religious organisations also stepped up in remarkable ways, serving meals, distributing essential supplies, and providing emotional and spiritual support to those in need. Mosques, churches, temples, and gurdwaras transformed into community hubs, offering food banks, vaccination centres, and mental health helplines.
The Role of BAME healthcare workers
A significant portion of this workforce came from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. According to NHS data, over 40% of NHS doctors are from BAME communities, despite making up only 14% of the UK population.
Nearly 30% of nurses and midwives also come from BAME backgrounds. In London, where Covid-19 cases peaked during the first wave, more than 50% of NHS staff belonged to BAME communities. Many BAME doctors and nurses worked extra shifts under severe conditions, often with minimal rest, to cope with overwhelming patient loads. Some even came out of retirement or delayed their training to provide urgent medical assistance.
The pandemic also exposed deep-rooted institutional racism within the NHS and the broader healthcare system. BAME healthcare workers were disproportionately affected by Covid- 19. A report by Public Health England (PHE) found that 63% of NHS workers who died from Covid-19 were from BAME backgrounds. Many reported being pressured to work on Covid-19 wards without adequate protection, despite having underlying health conditions that placed them at higher risk.
However, in a positive step towards dismantling racial inequality, the government has recently announced the New Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG) to help shape policies that remove barriers to racial equality which should help. Chaired by Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the group will work with equalities ministers to ensure ethnic minority communities’ lived experiences are represented in the government’s key missions.
The ongoing struggle with Long Covid
For many individuals, the impact of Covid-19 did not end with recovery from the initial infection. In 2022, an estimated 1.8 million people, or 2.8% of the population, self-reported long Covid in the UK, with 1.3 million (73%) reporting symptoms for over 12 weeks after infection.
Even now, Long Covid continues to affect millions globally, manifesting in persistent symptoms such as brain fog, inflammation, respiratory distress, depression, muscle wastage, and insomnia. Sanjiv Patel, who lost both his parents to Covid-19 and suffers from Long Covid himself, described his journey as a battle requiring deep self-awareness and strategic lifestyle adjustments.
“Initially, the severity of the brain fog was overwhelming, impacting both my short-term and long-term memory. Having cared for my father, who suffered from Parkinson’s and dementia, I felt daunted by the parallels I was experiencing,” Patel explains.
His recovery process involved a holistic approach, integrating both traditional and modern wellness practices. Supplements such as Curcumin, Ashwagandha, and mushroom-based therapies like Lion’s Mane for cognitive clarity, alongside a daily morning routine of warm water with lemon, ginger, and turmeric, played a crucial role in reducing inflammation and improving energy levels.
“Walking, though simple, has been one of my greatest tools. It offers time for reflection and self-talk, which is powerful when those around you may not fully understand what you’re going through,” he shares.
How Covid-19 reshaped society
Five years on, the impact of Covid-19 has been profound. The collective experience of loss brought people closer together, strengthening connections with family, friends, and loved ones. It also reshaped attitudes toward work, health, and community.
“As we mark five years since the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped our world, it's humbling to reflect on both the challenges and advancements we've experienced collectively. The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated profound advancements in healthcare and pandemic preparedness, highlighting the importance of international collaboration, digital health technologies, and swift vaccine development and distribution. Programs like PHOSP-1 and PHOSP-2, in which I actively participated, exemplify how research and real-world experiences combined to deepen our understanding of Long Covid,” said Sanjiv.
“The key takeaway for the future is to maintain vigilant preparedness, ongoing health education, and a culture of proactive self-care. Our collective resilience, underscored by empathy and knowledge, will equip us better for whatever challenges lie ahead,” he added.
As we look forward, it is imperative to honour those who fought on the frontlines, support those still struggling, and carry forward the lessons learned to create a healthier, more connected world.
