A disabled law student is fighting the end of Covid restrictions because she says it puts the most vulnerable at risk.
Fleur Perry has crowdfunded to pay lawyers Rook Irwin Sweeney to bring a court challenge to the UK Government’s decision to lift restrictions.
The Government ended the need to self-isolate after a positive Covid test on 24 February.
‘Breach of Equality Act’
Rook Irwin Sweeney has sent a pre-action letter to the Government. It argues that the Government must assess the impact on disabled people.
Perry argues that in failing to assess the impact, the Government has breached the Equality Act.
People with autism and learning disabilities often have many other health problems. These include epilepsy, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, obesity and respiratory infections.
These additional health problems also make them more vulnerable to Covid.
And many people with learning disabilities and autism also live in care settings. The proximity to other people can increase the risks.
Up to five times more likely to die from Covid
Lancaster University academic professor Chris Hatton calculated that people with autism and learning disabilities were four to five times more likely to die from Covid in hospital.
Perry had raised £6,350 on CrowdJustice by 13 March (when this story was published). The target is £8,000.
Perry is classed as clinically extremely vulnerable. This is because she has a muscle-weakening condition and has been shielding for most of the past two years.
She said the Government’s plan for learning to live with Covid is equivalent to “learning to accept avoidable deaths from Covid”.
Perry says the Government’s move puts 3.2 million shielders at “huge risk”.
‘Some may struggle’
Tim Nicholls is head of policy for the National Autistic Society.
He said some autistic people may struggle with the end of restrictions because it is a big change. This was especially the case for those who are clinically vulnerable.
He added that some may want to continue to “wear a mask or ask that someone supporting them wears one”. The public should try to understand this, he added.
Autism Eye approached the Department of Health and Social Care, but it did not respond.
Perry’s campaign is here: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/ending-isolation-risk-to-dp/
Related:
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- Fightback against virus law care cuts
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- Councils ‘free to abandon disabled’
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- Social care cash won’t end crisis
Published: 13 March 2022
