20 October 2026

RQIA acknowledges the publication of Module 6 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Report, which examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the care sector.

The report highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on Care Home residents and their families, many of whom experienced isolation, uncertainty and devastating loss, often without the opportunity to be with loved ones in their final days. It also recognises the significant pressures faced by carers and the social care workforce, who continued to provide vital support throughout an unprecedented period.

We recognise the gravity of these findings and the importance of strong preparedness, effective regulatory oversight and clear support for the care sector in any future public health emergency.

RQIA will carefully consider the report’s findings and recommendations in full, including the direct implications for our regulatory role. We are committed to learning from the experiences of the pandemic and to working with providers, people who use services, families, carers and other statutory and community organisations to demonstrate that the recommendations from the Report are acted upon.

Our thoughts remain with all those who suffered great loss during the pandemic, and with everyone whose lives were affected by its devastating impact.