The GEMS was the group of experts, chaired by Erika Vlieghe, who assisted the government with advice on how to tackle the corona crisis. She held her last official meeting on April 8, but the experts are not completely out of the picture.
During the inter-ministerial conference, the health ministers again underlined the importance of expert advice and scientific underpinning of policy. This is important not only for the aftercare of the current Covid-19 health crisis, but also in preparation for the next pandemic, the statement said.
That is why the members of the GEMS are asked to participate in the newly established Strategic Scientific Committee (SSC). This committee will advise on the pandemic management strategy and will therefore work closely with the Risk Assessment Group (RAG), which in turn specifically analyzes the risks.