As we commemorate five years since the pandemic began, Liverpool’s Director of Public Health Matt Ashton, looks back at how the city responded to this unprecedented emergency, the challenges faced, the positive strides made, and the lessons learned.
Sometimes it feels hard to believe that it’s been five years since COVID-19 changed our lives forever.
The impact of the first major pandemic in over 100 years was unprecedented, and its effects, both nationally and locally, continue to shape our city and our services.
In early 2020, COVID-19 swept across the UK, bringing daily life to a standstill. Lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates became part of our reality. The NHS faced immense strain, and we tragically lost over 200,000 lives across the UK.
Just over 2,000 of those deaths were in Liverpool. Many more people suffered from illness and poor health outcomes as a result of the pandemic, both directly and indirectly.
Liverpool was one of the hardest-hit cities, with high infection rates, significant pre-existing levels of health inequalities, and an economy heavily reliant on hospitality, retail, and tourism, sectors most affected by restrictions.
Liverpool’s Response
Liverpool also played a crucial role in the national response. We were one of the first places in the country to roll out PCR testing in response to local outbreaks in both Woolton and Princes Park.
We were the first city in England to pilot mass testing in November 2020, with over 200,000 people taking part, and introduced a bespoke mobile testing vehicle to provide rapid responses to spikes in cases.
We also helped relaunch live events in the country with a business festival, a nightclub, and a music festival, as well as supporting the restart of Premier League football. These initiatives helped kickstart Liverpool’s recovery while contributing to national research on how to hold safe public events.
The mass testing initiative in particular provided critical insights into community testing and helped control the spread of the virus at a pivotal moment. Our world-class research institutions, including the University of Liverpool, contributed to vaccine development and public health strategies.
However, the pandemic also exposed deep inequalities in our city. Deprivation, overcrowded housing, and pre-existing health conditions meant that certain communities particularly those in the most disadvantaged areas, were disproportionately affected. The closure of schools widened educational gaps, and mental health challenges escalated across all age groups.
The Legacy: Challenges and Opportunities
Looking back, the pandemic left a complex legacy. On the negative side, many of our health services are still recovering. The backlog of non-COVID treatments, from cancer screenings to mental health support, remains a significant challenge. Long COVID continues to affect thousands of people, leaving many unable to return to work. Health inequalities, starkly highlighted by the crisis, persist, reminding us that improving public health must remain a priority.
Economically, Liverpool’s recovery has been uneven. While some businesses have adapted and thrived, others have struggled to regain stability. The pandemic accelerated changes in how we work, shop, and socialise, with more people working remotely and city centre footfall fluctuating.
However, there have been positive legacies too. The pandemic demonstrated the power of community action, with thousands of volunteers supporting vulnerable residents through food banks, mutual aid groups, and vaccination efforts. This spirit of collaboration remains, strengthening local resilience.
Public health has also gained renewed importance. The experience of COVID-19 has led to improved emergency planning, better integration between health and social care, and a greater focus on equity and high-quality public health services, such as our sexual health services, smoking cessation services, and soon-to-be-launched updated 0-19 services and addiction services.
Moving Forward
Five years on, we must build on the lessons learned. Addressing health inequalities, investing in public health, and preparing for future pandemics are all critical. Liverpool has always been a resilient city, and while the scars of COVID-19 remain, we have an opportunity to create a fairer, healthier, and more equitable future.
Let us remember those we lost, support those still struggling, and continue working together to build a better Liverpool.
A national COVID-19 Day of Reflection will take place on Sunday, 9 March at St George’s Hall. All are welcome to attend.
More info: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/liverpool-remembers-as-hall-hosts-covid-19-reflection-event/
