Sir Patrick Vallance proposes the establishment of a specialized pandemic advisory group in response to the pandemic. This group, according to the Government’s ex-chief scientific adviser, should include economists. The aim is to rectify the criticism that the advice given to No10 during the pandemic did not adequately take into account the economic costs of lockdown.
Sir Patrick believes that incorporating economists into the pandemic preparedness center would assist in assessing the “difficult trade-offs” that arise in emergency situations like a pandemic. He favors a model known as the “hub and spoke” approach, which involves a central research base working in collaboration with various universities that specialize in different disciplines.
During the Covid Inquiry, Sir Chris Whitty, the Government’s chief medical adviser, also addressed the issue of integrating economic advice into pandemic decision-making. He warned against token inclusion of economists in the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), emphasizing the need for a competent scientific body that works in conjunction with economists to answer relevant questions.
It is estimated that the nation lost £500 million in economic output per day during lockdown. These figures highlight the significance of incorporating economic considerations into pandemic decision-making.
Addressing the Covid Inquiry, Sit Patrick Vallance said he wants a special pandemic advisory group set up in the wake of the Covid pandemic
Addressing the Covid Inquiry, England’s chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty apologised for his rapid responses, admitting ‘my enthusiasm is running away with me’
Sir Patrick Vallance’s vision of a pandemic preparedness center would establish a central base for research. This center would collaborate with various universities that possess expertise in different fields, creating a network of specialists to address a range of challenges, not just pandemics. He believes that such an approach would prove advantageous for the UK and contribute to the country’s ability to tackle future crises effectively.
The ongoing Covid Inquiry has also provided a platform for Sir Chris Whitty to address concerns about incorporating economic advice into pandemic decision-making. He cautioned against superficial inclusion of economists within SAGE and emphasized the necessity of combining scientific expertise with economic insights to provide comprehensive recommendations.
The Covid Inquiry has revealed the significant economic impact of lockdown, with estimates suggesting a daily loss of £500 million in output. Sir Chris Whitty’s testimony further highlighted the need to consider the economic consequences alongside public health measures when dealing with pandemics.
The first module of the inquiry focuses on pandemic preparedness and will include evidence from various witnesses, including former health secretary Matt Hancock, former first minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, and the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency Dame Jenny Harries. The module is expected to run for six weeks, with the overall inquiry projected to continue until 2026.
It is worth mentioning that a separate Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry is also investigating the pandemic response in devolved areas of Scotland, while the Welsh government has expressed its full commitment to the inquiry. However, they have determined that a separate inquiry in Wales is unnecessary.
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