Insufficient transparency: BAG criticized for corona communication

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The Federal Public Service of Public Health (BAG) has not cut a particularly good figure in the corona pandemic. Here’s how to summarize a report from the National Council’s Business Audit Commission (GPK), which examined how the agency handled scientific findings during the Covid crisis.

One point of criticism is, for example, that the BAG did not sufficiently substantiate its decisions and recommendations. It cannot be ruled out that the federal government was initially so critical about wearing face masks because there were simply not enough face masks available. That is understandable, but from the point of view of the GPK it is wrong to forego a mask advice. From their point of view, it would have made more sense to communicate transparently.

The GPK report is based on an evaluation by the Parliamentary Administrative Control, which conducts research on behalf of the GPK. She, in turn, engaged three communication scientists for part of the research.

There was no strategy

The National Council’s auditors also criticize the fact that the BAG has set up its scientific network “too late and without any real strategy”. In the first weeks of the pandemic, the exchange with science was characterized by ambiguity and distrust. That came naturally later on.

The Committee recommends that the BAG regulates more clearly how it intends to deal with scientific findings in the event of a crisis in the future. From the point of view of the GPK, the Bundesrat should also regulate more clearly what exactly external advisers are used in times of crisis.

The work of the scientific Covid task force is now assessed as good in principle by the GPK. From the committee’s point of view, however, there was a problem with cooperation with the federal government.

In total, the commission passed on eight recommendations to the authorities. The Federal Council now has until October to respond.

Source:Blick