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.
Opening streets for pedestrians
Several streets in Vienna have been temporarily opened for pedestrians to make walking outside more compatible with physical distancing.
Psychological support for citizens
To meet concerns and psychological stress citizens might experience, a regional government has set up a hotline staffed by psychologists, life coaches and clerical companions.
Assisting businesses with their applications for financial support
A platform helps businesses identify the support programmes for which they can apply and describes the necessary steps.
Virtual town hall meetings
The Mayor of Oakland is holding virtual town hall meetings to answer questions and to inform residents about the Covid-19 situation.
Using a government’s 3D printers to produce face visors
To overcome the shortage of protective equipment in the elderly care unit in the City of Malmö, government employees used 3D printers to find a solution.
A government initiative supports organisations and individuals
#GdańskPomaga connects those who need support with those people who offer their support through an easy online form. This initiative is a joint effort by the city of Gdansk and its partners.
Organising an online City Council meeting
Ghent (Belgium) councillors followed the council meeting online on their home computers. It was the largest digital council meeting ever held in Flanders.
Free accommodation for people in quarantine
A total of 53 individual accommodation spaces will be available for patients placed in Covid-19 quarantine at the Peleș Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe.
Using behavioral insights to enforce policy compliance
To reinforce the adherence to government policies by making them more normal and more obvious, the “Nudge theory” can be applied.
Digital education tools made available for free
Countries at the forefront of digital education are sharing their tools for free in a time of the crisis.
Using drones to inform people about Covid-19
In Tallinn the local government uses state-of-the-art technology to inform people about how to behave during the coronavirus crisis.
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.