Royal academy urges creation of pandemic expert group

Sweden told it needs better advice to avoid high death rates in future health crises

A group appointed by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has published a report criticising Sweden’s response to Covid-19 and recommending the creation of an independent expert group to advise the government in future pandemics.

The report pointed out that the world is likely to experience more pandemics in the future, and that Sweden must become better prepared for them. “New pandemics, caused by coronaviruses or other pathogens, are very likely to occur,” the group said. “Planning for future pandemics is thus vital.”