Policy Press

The Challenge of Controlling COVID-19

Public Health and Social Care Policy in England During the First Wave

By Jane Lewis

Published

Mar 24, 2021

Page count

117 pages

ISBN

978-1447362517

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 24, 2021

Page count

117 pages

ISBN

978-1447362517

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
The Challenge of Controlling COVID-19

Providing an account of the policy response to COVID-19 in England, this book analyses the political and long-term systemic factors associated with the failures to control the first wave of the pandemic during 2020.

It explores the part played by key policy actors, particularly politicians and scientists, and focuses on two difficult policy issues during the first wave: the establishment of a ‘test, trace and isolate’ system and responses to the high death rate in care homes for older people.

Drawing on a wide range of documentary evidence, including parliamentary papers and SAGE minutes, this book draws attention to the importance of longstanding structural problems in public health and the care sector, especially the impact of outsourcing and privatisation.

Jane Lewis is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Introduction

1.The approach to the early stages by politicians and scientists

2.The Position of Public Health and the Problem of ‘Test and Trace’

3.Care Homes for Elderly People

Conclusion