Covid Review: Gov 'Did A Good Job'

An independent review has concluded Jersey's government overall 'did a good job' of responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are things that 'could have gone better'.

The Jersey Independent Covid-19 Review has published its final report into the island's response to the public health emergency.

Led by Sir Derek Myers, it was commissioned to review the government’s handling of the pandemic between February 2020 to January 2022. 

Over a five month period, between March and July this year, the panel met 42 people and groups, received 94 submissions, reviewed 13 self-assessments from government officers and discussed events with 33 politicians and others in public office and dozens of government staff.

It has concluded that, overall, the government 'did a good job'.

 Sir Derek Myers and Professor Maggie Rae from the Independent Covid-19 Review 

Areas that 'went well' included:

* The swift set up of test and trace arrangements

* The on-island laboratory was a 'strong plan'

* The £14m+ Nightingale hospital was 'strongly justified as an insurance purchase' and the procurement and construction were 'outstanding'

* The speed and efficiency of the vaccination programme

*Business support schemes, including Payroll Co-Funding, were 'bold, thoughtful and well rolled-out'

On the timing of the first lockdown at the end of March 2020, which came after the UK and Guernsey, the panel concluded:

"We find that “lockdowns” were proportionate and well thought through. We are aware that earlier restrictions in the UK and elsewhere prompted some to say Jersey was “late” into lockdown but we have not heard, or found evidence, to prove any deleterious effect of the Jersey timing decisions."

 The report praises the swift roll-out of vaccinations

But areas that 'could have gone better' include:

* An out-of-date, near 90 year old Public Health Law that was 'not fit for purpose'

* A lack of government data on the number of vulnerable people within the population

* A lack of visible leadership and clear messages in the first weeks of the pandemic - and no clear 'Crisis Communications Strategy'

* The Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC), which advises the government, was diligent, but reporting lines were 'too informal, and its credibility affected by its limited transparency.

The panel has made 16 recommendations to prepare for any similar emergency.

They include making sure legislation is kept up to date, and prioritising the Civil Contingencies Law, which it says should be completed within two years.

It says the government should consider appointing a Chief Scientist 'who can co-ordinate advice necessary to mitigate threats or exploit opportunities'.

It also recommends a Crisis Communication plan is developed that covers training for spokespeople, extra resources and mutually agreed expectations with the media. 

The panel says its action points should be pulled together in a Crisis Resilience Improvement Plan, so they can be enacted.

"We believe our report can however help any Government of Jersey to be better prepared; make better decisions and communicate better in any further comparable future crisis." - Sir Derek Myers, Chair of the Covid-19 Review.

The government's Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Wylie says they remain mindful that 142 islanders lost their lives to the pandemic and their thoughts are with their families and loved ones. 

“I am grateful for the recommendations, which will be presented to the Assembly and an action plan developed so that as an island we can be better prepared in the future.” 

You can read the full Covid Review report here.

Former Chief Minister John Le Fondre, who the led the government during the pandemic, has welcomed the findings:

Very pleased Covid Review Rpt states:overall the Govt did a good job.A credit to all those I worked with & the teams that were in place. It is an achievement of which I am proud, and I hope everyone who contributed to that outcome is also justifiably proud https://t.co/ScvW0tamcj

— John Le Fondre (@John_Le_Fondre) October 13, 2022