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.
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.
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 platform that tells citizens how they can support their government
The government of Ontario started an initiative to empower citizens to help fight coronavirus. Citizens can offer emergency products and innovative solutions or volunteer to support the government’s response to Covid-19.
Self-sufficiency in times of lockdown
A small municipality in Lebanon is increasing its self-sufficiency by handing out seedlings to families with gardens or land.
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.
Collective responses to global health emergencies
A platform invites local and regional governments of all sizes to share their initiatives tackling Covid-19 and other health emergencies.
Production of antiseptics from confiscated ethyl alcohol
To tackle the shortage of antiseptics, the Greek Ministry of Health decided to produce disinfectants with confiscated products that are currently at hand.
Using AI to detect temperatures of people in high-density urban areas
Recent technological advances can be used to to liberate health professionals from risky tasks.
A conference to start a global conversation about the implications of Covid-19
To identify practical next steps for local contexts, the OECD will facilitate an international conference on the potential implications of the coronavirus crisis.
Pre-testing security protocols at airports and hotels
Spain is testing their new security measures at airports and hotels with a group of German tourists before the official reopening its borders.
Publicly discussing the geopolitical consequences of Covid-19
The French project Open Diplomacy started a public platform to discuss the geopolitical effects of Covid-19.
Virtual proceedings in the UK Parliament
The UK parliament allows Commons members to participate in sessions virtually.