November 19, 2021

LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - The British government was unprepared for a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic, failed to learn from simulation exercises and was distracted by its departure from the European Union, the government's spending watchdog said on Friday.

More than 143,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Britain, sparking criticism of Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his response, which was initially based on plans for dealing with a flu pandemic rather than a novel coronavirus. 

The National Audit Office (NAO) also highlighted the role of Brexit in soaking up resources, with Britain leaving the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020, the same day as the country's first confirmed COVID-19 case.

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https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britain-was-unprepared-covid-19-spending-watchdog-finds-2021-11-19/