Politicians, policy makers and public servants have never faced a situation like this. They immediately need policies that really work. Best practices can serve as an inspiration, a starting point and a proof of concept.
Providing citizens with iPads for virtual family reunions
To make it possible for families to reunite at least virtually, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are supplying their wards with 100 iPads, complete with FaceTime, Skype and Zoom.
Government loans for small businesses
To support businesses with fewer than 500 employees, the city of New York offers a loan-based Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
A coronavirus action group to provide a reliable source of information
The Essex County Council (EEC), in partnership with Facebook and local communities, set up the Essex Coronavirus Action group which aims to provide the people of Essex with a trustworthy source of information and advice.
A municipality’s free online home fitness service
To keep its citizens fit during quarantine, the municipality of Chiavari, in partnership with health professionals, started free online fitness classes.
Using Facebook Live and Youtube to communicate with citizens
To reach a diverse set of audiences, the Mayor of Bratislava uses Facebook Live and Youtube to interact with citizens and motivate them.
Using bluetooth to contain the spread of the coronavirus
To reduce the rate of infection and help people avoid infection, Bluetooth can be used to detect users when get close enough to infect each other.
Code word for domestic abuse
In France and Spain women can use code words to report domestic abuse at pharmacies.
A government’s education resource centre
To support the education sector, non-governmental organisations and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Slovak Republic launched an online platform with up-to-date information and guidelines for schools, teachers, parents, and students.
Identifying and solving the most pressing legal challenges after the pandemic
The FT Innovative Lawyers Global Legal Hackathon was launched to identify and create new products and services that address the most pressing legal challenges post-Covid-19.
A Covid-19 resource guide for government leaders
To aid governments and decision makers in their response efforts to Covid-19, Government Technology provides a comprehensive list of resources.
Cities are rapidly expanding their cycle networks
Instead of only temporarily opening more bicycle lanes during the Covid-19 crisis, some big cities are rethinking traffic and public transport.
Isolation rooms for homeless people
To support homeless people the City of Ostrów Wielkopolski organized special isolation rooms for homeless people, which are fully furnished and equipped with bathrooms and care agents.