Recommendation 24

Throughout the pandemic, the UK has relied on its own bespoke system of science advice and guidance on non-pharmaceutical interventions, while at the same time global-level guidance has been issued regularly by the World Health Organisation (WHO). There have also been numerous opportunities to learn from the approaches undertaken by nations around the world. The UK’s policies on areas such as testing and tracing, the two-metre rule and the use of face coverings suggest that the Government’s approach has been to carve its own path between SAGE and WHO advice. We have heard that a “precautionary” approach was taken to social distancing in the UK—based on SAGE guidance—above the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of “at least 1 metre”. However, on face coverings a precautionary approach was not employed, and SAGE’s recommendations were not taken up until two months after they were made. In general, more lessons could have been applied from the experiences of other countries, particularly those which have dealt with previous coronavirus outbreaks (e.g. SARS and MERS). The Government should commit to review—before the end of 2021—the relationship between SAGE and expert advisory structures in other countries and the World Health Organisation, to understand where knowledge sharing may be improved during future emergencies.

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