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.
Government platform to recruit retired or unemployed health professionals
The French Ministry of Solidarity and Health launched a platform to recruit volunteers and health professionals who are unemployed or retired.
A tracking project to obtain, organise and publish high-quality data
A team of more than 100 volunteer data-grabbers, journalists, scientists, visualisation specialists, designers, project managers, and many others help fill public health data gaps.
Telecare service to overcome the digital divide
The Basque government offers a tele assistance service to overcome the digital divide in times of isolation.
Providing adequate assistance for homeless people
To care for homeless people during the pandemic whilst protecting public health, health professionals and social workers offer assistance in Bratislava.
Technology and social media empower parliament committees to hold meetings
Committee hearings that would normally be open to the public are now livestreamed. Also, witnesses and submitters can participate by video conference or teleconference.
Using population maps to tackle disease outbreaks and plan public health campaigns
Artificial Intelligence can be used to create disease prevention maps. They provide information on where outbreaks may occur and the potential spread of disease.
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.
Basic income for citizens
In April 2020 the Brazilian Congress decided to implement a basic income which is more than half of the Brazilian minimum monthly wage for the time of the coronavirus crisis.
Caring for street animals during the Covid-19 situation
Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality in Turkey continues its services and feeds street animals.
A government’s hackathon to tackle challenges in developing countries
With the #SmartDevelopmentHack, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development aims to support the development of digital solutions to overcome Covid-19-related challenges in developing countries. The best solutions receive funding to increase their impact in the long term.
A fund to support the creation of new artistic work for the public benefit
Ireland’s Arts Council is introducing a special fund enables Irish-based artists to make the art they created during Covid-19 related lockdown accessible to the public.
Virtual court hearings during Covid-19
To replace in-person court hearings during the coronavirus crisis, video conferencing allows involved parties to go through with court proceedings.