The RSS has recommended that statistics and data should be more explicitly mentioned in the terms of reference (TORs) for the UK’s official Covid inquiry. The RSS has responded to the inquiry’s consultation on its TORs to stress the important role that statistics and data have played in the government response to the pandemic and the need for this to be properly considered as part of the inquiry.
The draft TORs only refer to the availability and use of data in the context of public health decision-making. While the RSS believes this is an important topic to explore, they recommend that the TORs also cover how statistics and data were used in government communication, such as the daily televised briefings. The submission also suggests that the inquiry considers the statistical evaluation of public health interventions, such as Test and Trace and the use of lateral flow tests in schools.
Ahead of the call for submissions to the inquiry itself, which is expected to hold public hearings next year, the RSS is holding
‘Covid Evidence Sessions’ to garner opinions from the statistical community on the governments’ handling of the pandemic.
Read the submission in full