30-10-2020
Urban communities organizing themselves in their own neighbourhoods are striving to keep countries healthy, sustainable, inclusive and economically active during times that are hard for everyone. In many cities of the Region, authorities, health professionals and local communities are working together towards creating a “better normal” of city life that will outlive the pandemic.
During the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy an increasing number of Milan’s residents lost access to quality food. To solve the problem, the city’s authorities collaborated with more than 30 non-profit organizations to create the Food Aid System initiative.
When COVID-19 paralyzed local markets of Brest, it became a challenge not only for consumers but also for local food producers. The city came out with an innovative project that boosted social protection programmes with a digital platform.
Moscow city’s metro implemented a highly automated sanitizing system that has been able to disinfect its 900 000 m2 of territory on a daily basis and maintain operation of public transport that strengthens confidence of passengers during virus outbreak.
To solve COVID-19-related mobility issues, Baku’s authorities concentrated on ground transportation and started a programme to disinfect all buses, taxis and parking areas, as well as interchanges and stations.
Strict anti-pandemics measures in Athens quickly took a toll on vulnerable groups with higher burden of noncommunicable diseases. Joint project with charities and patients associations helped to get essential supplies to marginalised communities.
A network of over 1700 volunteers in the city of Limerick are maintaining a daily freephone service for older people in need. The local initiative to mitigate COVID-19 crisis has brought support across communities to a new level.
