The UK has wasted £10 billion on COVID-19 protection products.

The UK authorities wasted almost £10 billion ($13 billion) on personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was either ruined or remained unused. This was reported by Bloomberg on July 14.

The study was conducted by retired judge and independent member of the House of Lords Heather Hallett.

"The UK spent almost £10 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic on protective equipment such as masks and gowns that were either defective or left unused," the article says.

According to the study, this was due to inefficient procurement and poor-quality equipment. Hallett called the "waste of taxpayers' money" colossal. At the same time, workers on the front line of the fight against coronavirus were left "without proper protection."

The investigation "exposed a picture of government inefficiency," as well as gaps in the planning of public service actions in the context of the pandemic, Bloomberg pointed out.

New COVID-19 strains: who may need revaccination in 2026

Previously vaccinated people may get sick with new strains of coronavirus

In July last year, the spread of a new strain of coronavirus with a unique symptom was recorded in the UK. We are talking about the strain "Stratus", a symptom of which is considered hoarseness of voice.