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 offers free webinars for a “safe home office”
The government of the Austrian province Lower Austria offers free and publicly accessible webinars on the topic of “Secure Home Office”. They inform citizens on how to protect themselves and their data.
A remote system that allows politicians to discuss and vote on matters from a distance
The Brazilian House of Representatives and the Senate agreed to implement the Remote Deliberation System (SDR) to ensure a working congress during lockdown.
Adapting a public funding call to Covid-19
Adapting existing funding calls to Covid-19 crisis response measures allows for rapid product development to combat the crisis.
Distributing laptops to students for remote learning
To ensure that all students are provided with laptops for digital learning, a US county gives free laptops to students in need.
ID could function as a debit card to receive financial benefits
A government is exploring ways to transfer benefits to citizens without bank accounts.
Full citizens rights for migrants and asylum seekers during Covid-19 outbreak
Portugal gives temporary citizenship rights to migrants and asylum seekers to grant them equal access to the health care and social security system.
Support helpline for residents
To support people with mental health issues during the coronavirus crisis, the City of Ostrów Wielkopolski has launched a support hotline.
Regional youth platform
The municipality of Reggio Emilia created a new section on its website where young people can find local online projects and services.
Parliament provides virtual tours
Since the Austrian parliament building is closed to visitors due to Covid-19 social distancing measures, it offers virtual tours live via YouTube.
Video updates on Covid-19 measures for civil servants
To inform civil servants about the city’s measures and projects during the coronavirus pandemic, the city government created a YouTube channel for its employees.
Free walk-in coronavirus testing station
To organise large-scale Covid-19 testings in Gdansk, a mobile testing centre opened at the University Clinical Center.
A campaign to share stories of kindness on social media
To share stories of kindness and show that citizens’ sense of community is not confined by walls, the Mayor of London launched the #LondonTogether campaign.