The right Covid response? How countries outside UK are also under scrutiny

Stockholm during the pandemic. Sweden adopted a largely voluntary approach of promoting social distancing and good hygiene. Photograph: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images

Britain’s public Covid-19 inquiry, led by the retired judge Heather Hallett, is far from the first independent commission in the world to begin examining a country’s experience confronting the pandemic.

Their formats, mandates – and their progress – vary widely according to systems and traditions, but their task is essentially the same: to assess preparedness, make a record of decision-making, review government responses and learn lessons for the future.