In Catalonia, the President, Vice-president, and Minister for Health, Home Affairs and Presidency convene daily to evaluate COVID-19 situation and determine response actions. The authorities are taking a cross-sectorial approach with all of the departments acting to deliver an integrated mitigation strategy.
Delivering on fiscal commitments, increasing subsidies, providing liquidity and introducing flexibility (including moratorium on local taxes) have guided Catalan government’s response to elevated financial vulnerabilities across different sectors – from agriculture to culture. The measures targeted businesses, with special liquidity line for SMEs, and individuals alike.
In public health sector, the authorities have taken actions in strengthening healthcare capacities by recruiting more professionals, setting up temporary hospitals and getting hospitality sector to provide accommodation for mild case patients, meanwhile enabling fast-track validation for 3D printing of protective material. Since 18 March, the government launched STOP COVID19 app that allows better detection and monitoring of new cases as it daily checks in on patients who manifest mild symptoms and provide all necessary information to observe changes in their health condition.
Digitalization of public administration and services remains a top priority as to ensure that access to information and services remains uncompromised. The government has given unlimited data plans at no cost to all of the residents to meet increased demand. The digital solutions are tailored to community actors' needs. Virtual desk of “Accio competitiveness for Catalonia” is set up to support businesses to adapt and transit to digital service provision. The Department for Digital Policy has released key recommendations to prevent cybercrimes and frauds. The government is making many cultural and educational services available to its residents for free online.
Targeted measures to respond to elevated social vulnerabilities have been taken in areas of gender-based violence, where victims of domestic violence have dedicated help line and are offered free safe hotel accommodation. Children, whose caregivers were hospitalized or remain in isolation, are also provided with caregiving and accommodation. The social service provision to the elderly remains unhindered but with strengthened coordination and safety measures.
The Catalan authorities’ response is exemplary of integrated strategy that puts the livelihoods of its community members – individuals and enterprises – at the centre.