About the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) and meeting minutes

About STAC

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) provides a common source of health, scientific and technical advice to Government and Gold Commanders during emergencies. It debates live issues and ensures that advice is provided in a timely and co-ordinated way, based on best available information.

This helps ensure that decisions made during emergencies are informed by health, scientific and technical advice.

Membership

STAC comprises the principal medical advisors, including Jersey's Medical Director, Medical Officer of Health, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, Associate Medical Directors, Chief Nurse, Group Director of Health and Community Services, along with key data analysts, strategists and advisors in communicable diseases and epidemiology and wider health impacts.

The terms of reference for the STAC can be found in the COVID-19 Strategy, published on 3 June 2020.

COVID-19 Strategy June 2020

COVID-19

The STAC carefully considers the available evidence throughout the pandemic to minimise harms and seek to ensure a safe exit. COVID-19 cases in Jersey are being closely monitored, both in terms of total numbers and the nature of the cases (who is affected, symptoms and experience).

In addition, evidence on wider harms to the population of the pandemic, and the public health measures over the short, medium and long term are also considered. Decision makers assess a range of advice and evidence presented to them, including that from STAC, combined with their own experience and judgement to make decisions during emergencies.