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Throughout the pandemic, the UK has relied on its own bespoke system of science advice...

Recommendation
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.
Paragraph Reference
149
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government Not Addressed
The Government keeps all non–pharmaceutical interventions and social distancing rules under constant review to ensure the measures remain necessary and proportionate. For example, the Government is legally required to review the Steps regulations at least every 35 days. As set out in the Roadmap, we are also conducting a review of social distancing and other measures to determine when and under what circumstances social distancing guidance can be lifted or amended, and the implications for other measures, including face coverings and working from home guidance. These reviews examine the latest epidemiological data available at the time. The Government always takes any decision in collaboration with medical and scientific advisers. Throughout the pandemic, the Government has listened carefully to the views of the scientific community, the information from SAGE and its sub-groups when taking decisions on the best way to tackle the pandemic. There is ongoing, regular, dialogue with other countries and with the Devolved Administrations to discuss different approaches. For example, when considering the use of face coverings, the Government noted approaches taken in Europe and Asia, with some European countries having mandated the use of face coverings in indoor settings such as shops and supermarkets. Building upon advice from the WHO on 5 June 2020 that fabric face coverings should be used in public where social distancing is not possible, measures were brought into force to require mandatory use of face coverings in indoor public settings and transport settings. It is worth noting though that in many cases, responses by international partners to the pandemic varied and may not always have ben applicable to the situation in the UK at the time. Going forward, in taking decisions during reviews on restrictions and policies applying in England, consideration will continue to be given to approaches taken in other countries and the rest of the UK where appropriate.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age 5.4 yrs
Report published 08 Jan 2021