The people of Suffolk have their chance to contribute to the Covid-19 Inquiry this week to share  how the pandemic affected them and how its impact continues to be felt.

The Covid-19 Inquiry team is making its way around the country as part of a series of nationwide events, Every Story Matters. The events intend to give people the opportunity to share with the team first-hand how the pandemic affected them, without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.

It is hoped that their views and experiences will inform the UK’s response to any pandemic that should occur in the future.

People were shown into private booths to share their stories.People were shown into private booths to share their stories. (Image: Newsquest)

By mid-morning on Monday, a queue had already formed outside Ipswich Town hall. Among those waiting was Jane Eaton from Nacton. She had come to relay her concerns regarding the vaccine.

Her daughter, who graduated from Bath University in July 2020, received three vaccines, her first two being Pfizer, and her final shot being Moderna.

Two days after her last vaccine, Jane’s daughter began having seizures, experiencing as many as 15 each day. She has since been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), and has it confirmed that this is a direct result of having the vaccine.

Former nurse Shirley Dow had also arrived to discuss Covid vaccines, and how information about them has been shared with the public.

Engineer Chris Gaze said that he feels fortunate to have been able to work from home during the pandemic, and not to have lost anyone to Covid.

Chris Gaze said he had come to discuss how the government worked with experts.Chris Gaze said he had come to discuss how the government worked with experts. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Gaze said he had come to discuss how the government worked with experts, and how they balanced preventing the spread of the disease with the effects of successive lockdowns.

For example, his daughter completed her primary school education from home, spending far more time working from a screen than he would have liked.

While Mr Gaze said he was optimistic about society's ability to recover from the pandemic, he recognised there are some individuals who continue to feel its impact.

Inquiry Secretary Ben Connah said he was pleased with the turnout on Monday, and said it was “vital” to hear from as many local people as possible, so that the impact of the pandemic can be understood and lessons can be learned for the future.

The inquiry will be at Ipswich Town hall from 10am to 4.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday August 6).