Wales to take part in largest ever UK wide pandemic response exercise
Cymru'n cymryd rhan yn yr ymarfer ymateb pandemig mwyaf erioed ledled y DU
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 Eluned Morgan 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: