GAO recommends federal action to better prepare for biological incidents

The Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies should work through the Biodefense Steering Committee to ensure the Biodefense Coordination Team defines the capabilities needed to prepare for and respond to significant biological incidents such as COVID-19; monitors and reports on findings from interagency exercises and real-world incidents; and recommends action to address identified challenges, according to a report released today by the Government Accountability Office. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act called for GAO to review federal efforts to prepare for, respond to and recover from COVID-19. The agency reviewed interagency response plans and exercises and real biological incidents between 2009 and 2019 to identify opportunities to better achieve National Biodefense Strategy objectives.