Exercise Cygnus, a 2016 UK government simulation of a flu pandemic, revealed critical flaws in the nation's preparedness. The report, initially leaked and later officially published, highlighted the inadequacy of existing plans and policies to handle a severe pandemic, particularly concerning the social care sector.
The simulation warned that the UK's response capabilities were insufficient for a major pandemic. Specific concerns were raised regarding outdated plans, the lack of inter-organizational cooperation, and the vulnerability of the care home system. The report included 26 recommendations for improvement.
The government initially claimed to have fully implemented the report's recommendations. However, the report remained secret for years, with requests under the Freedom of Information Act rejected. Senior figures in the care sector stated they were never informed of the findings. The delayed publication followed pressure from the Information Commissioner's Office and media reports.
The government's rationale for keeping the report secret remains unclear. While they cited the need for honest feedback from participants, the publication of a similar, larger simulation in 2007 contradicts this reasoning.
The publication of the Cygnus report marks a belated acknowledgement of the government's pandemic preparedness failings. While the government claims to have acted on its findings, the secrecy surrounding the report raises concerns about transparency and accountability.