Wales will take part in the largest ever UK wide pandemic
response exercise this Autumn.
The commitment is part of the Welsh Government's comprehensive
response to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's first module published
today, which examined the nation's preparedness and resilience
prior to the pandemic.
The response outlines the significant steps already taken to
strengthen Wales' emergency preparedness.
First Minister said:
“Our priority is to keep the people of Wales safe. We are
committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and building on
the existing foundations to ensure Wales is prepared for future
emergencies.
“Over the past six months, we have worked with other devolved
governments and the UK Government to carefully consider and begin
the progress of implementing these important recommendations from
the inquiry.
“We have taken action to improve our emergency response
capabilities and will continue to build on this.
“This will include Wales playing a full role in the major
exercise this Autumn to test the UK's capabilities, plans and
procedures to prepare for possible future pandemics.”
A new group is being established – the Wales Coordination Group -
to oversee the planning and participation of Wales in the
exercise. It will have representation from all key organisations
involved at the national and local level, in recognition of the
broad scope of the exercise.
Notes to editors
The Welsh Government has reformed its approach to preparedness
and civil contingencies based on the lessons learned from the
pandemic.
Major changes and improvements include:
-
Sought independent advice to improve and
strengthen the Welsh Protection System and our civil
contingencies systems.
-
Established new emergency response structures
and introduced improved data systems.
-
Regularly tests preparedness, including taking
part in regular UK-wide exercises.
-
Created Wales' first set of risks, which emergency
services and responders need to prepare
for and Ministers discuss
preparedness at Cabinet meetings every year.
-
Improved working with the UK Government and with the
Scottish Government and Northern Irish Executive, emergency
services, responders and other relevant agencies and
improved how we make decisions and share information between
organisations.
The Welsh Government's response can be found at:
English: https://www.gov.wales/uk-covid-19-inquiry-module-1-resilience-and-preparedness-welsh-government-response
