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At the outset of the pandemic, the Prime Minister’s “stay at home” order was accompanied...
Conclusion
At the outset of the pandemic, the Prime Minister’s “stay at home” order was accompanied by a public messaging campaign that clearly instructed the public to “stay home, protect the NHS, save lives”. This message was driven by regular televised press conferences from Number 10 Downing Street, during which Ministers sought to emphasise that the response was “built upon the bedrock of the best possible scientific and medical advice”.220 Professor Whitty credited this initial messaging as “absolutely essential in people understanding what needed to happen, and then doing it.”221 The message was clear in both the instruction it was giving the public, as well as plainly explaining why they were being asked to change their behaviour.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government accepts this recommendation. The government recognises that the pandemic response requires a multifaceted communication strategy, capable of adapting to and addressing a variety of concerns. There were many factors that influenced public behaviour and compliance, for example, research showed that confidence in the government and trust in messaging were key determinants of compliance. The government designed behaviour change campaigns to influence behaviour in a number of specific areas including handwashing, wearing face coverings and encouraging vaccine uptake. The government worked with trusted messengers, as well as undertaking user research and reviewing the academic literature to ensure that it took the most effective course of action. This meant, for instance, working with local Directors of Public Health, and faith and community leaders to cascade guidance and information and counter misinformation. The government recognises that there are some specific areas of messaging that could have been improved. This includes providing British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation at COVID-19 press conferences and ensuring advice was available in a wide variety of languages. The government also recognises that its messaging has not reached all communities equally, and it has not always been as effective as it might have been in reaching people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and communities where English is not the first language. The government is committed to ensuring that it learns the lessons from this pandemic and takes steps to improve its messaging in future. Moving forwards, UKHSA will continue to build on the lessons learned in its health communications. They will ensure that their messaging is clear, consistent, and accessible to all, and that they work with trusted messengers to reach all communities. In addition, the government will continue to invest in research to better understand what motivates people to comply with public health advice, and how to tailor messaging to different audiences. They will also continue to work with local authorities and other partners to ensure that messaging is delivered in a way that is culturally sensitive and relevant to local communities. The government also recognises the importance of providing access to information in a range of accessible formats, for example British Sign Language, Easy Read, large print, and audio. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that its messaging is accessible to everyone.
Source
Inquiry
Coronavirus: lessons learnt
Report
Sixth Report - Coronavirus: lessons learned to date
12 Oct 2021
HC 92
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.6 yrs
Report published
12 Oct 2021