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.
Local government checklist
A checklist for local government lists the most important steps to prepare, respond to and recover from a pandemic.
Take-away library books
A Swedish library organises contactless pick-ups of books outside the library to provide reading material during the lockdowns.
Providing information for voluntary services
To allow for smooth and un-bureacratic administrative support for voluntary services, the regional government of Rhineland-Palatine has set up an information initiative.
#WirvsVirus – Hackathons develop solutions to manage the crisis
The biggest Hackathon ever helped to develop digital solutions for more than 800 challenges and thus tackle the secondary effects of Covid-19.
A Facebook messenger chatbot to combat Covid-19 misinformation
To better inform the world about Covid-19, the WHO has launched a Facebook Messenger chatbot to offer instant and accurate information about the disease.
Digital infrastructure for homeschooling
The city of Vienna provides free laptops and a digital learning platform for students in need.
Supporting active commuting
The city of Milan is drastically increasing the space for pedestrians and cyclists to allow enough space for active commuting.
Providing free or lower-cost digital services and products
The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance initiated the provision of free or low-cost digital services and products by operators, individuals and businesses.
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.
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.
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.
A volunteer-based government initiative to deal with long-term quarantine
A government-supported initiative is calling for volunteers to assist citizens by safely delivering essential goods and supplies.