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and its UK specificities meant that there were a limited number of studies that were
relevant to the identified impact themes. This led to the decision to add extra layers of
primary evidence. Second, the evolving nature of the pandemic and the changing nature of
counter measures means that what we have identified thus far can only be regarded as a
snapshot of COVID related harms. More research will be required to understand how these
harms will evolve. Third, and allied to this, the review of relevant mitigating measures
should carry a health warning regarding the limitations of 'policy and practice borrowing'
- what works in one context may not work in another and, therefore, there are also
judgements to be made about the validity of transfer. Finally, while appreciating the
distinction between short- and longer-term mitigating measures we have yet to fully
understand how any of the researched and proposed measures will work out in practice.
This suggests the need for a rolling programme of research and evaluation.