Coroner Rules Out Risking Lives to Reopen Inquests Amid Covid Surge
Inquests on Hold Since November Lockdown
Coroner Caroline Sumeray has slammed plans to restart inquests during the pandemic, insisting risking lives is simply “not justifiable.” Since the first national lockdown, the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court has been shut down whenever restrictions hit. After a brief spell of hearings last September and October, the court has been completely silent since the November lockdown.
Unsafe Venues and High Covid Rates Halt Proceedings
Mrs Sumeray revealed the hearing rooms at Newport’s combined courts are unsuitable. The rooms lack windows for proper ventilation, and she has no control over the cleaning between sessions. With Covid cases on the Isle currently higher than the national average, the coroner said:
“We are still in the middle of a very dangerous pandemic, where the rates of Covid on the Isle of Wight were, until only a few days ago, significantly higher than the national average.”
She added that the Isle of Wight Council supports her cautious approach.
Pressure Mounts as Backlog Grows
The coroner’s tiny team has been stretched to the limit over the past year. Mrs Sumeray warned:
“It is important my small team do not become unwell, as the role of the coroner’s office would grind to a halt, causing immense difficulties for all those who have dealings with us.”
Delays are worsened by witnesses from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, who remain focused on treating Covid patients. Unlike criminal courts, the coroner’s court cannot sit remotely — a major hurdle since many bereaved families are elderly and lack the tech to join online hearings.
No Clear Plan to Tackle Growing Backlog
The mounting pile of delayed cases is becoming a serious concern. One hearing, originally scheduled for March 2020, is now nearly two years overdue. With no firm plan unveiled, families are facing agonising waits for closure as the pandemic grinds inquests to a halt.
