Table 6 | Latin America and the Caribbean (9 countries): measures adopted by goverments to tackle COVID-19, April 2020 Area
Policy measure
Prevention and Online dissemination of communication prevention information Contact tracing
Control and monitoring
Treatment
Bolivia (Plurinacional Mexico Brazil Ecuador Colombia Argentina Uruguay Chile Peru State of)
Real-time statistics and data
Automated communication systems
Online teleworking platforms
Online education programmes
Self-assessment tools
Virtual triage
Quarantine instructions
Infection and hospital capacity modelling
Social network monitoring
Telemedecine
Artificial intelligence in radiology
Patient monitoring (chatbots)
3D printing of medical equipment
Research and Development (R&D) to tackle COVID-19
Implemented In development Not applicable
Source: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), on the basis of official information.
The use of more advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, is less common. The shortage of medical supplies was a critical concern in the early stages of the panemdic. In response, a number of government and civil society institutions sought alternatives in 3D printing. Several governments have reported that they have adopted or are developing this technology. There is still room to develop policies and instruments to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic by using digital technologies, especially in the area of patient treatment. Other key measures adopted include designating home delivery platforms as an essential service and authorizing them to operate during lockdowns. Among the less-widely implemented measures were specific regulations on the processing of personal data and cybersecurity.
C. Towards reactiviation The economic and social crisis and physical distancing measures stemming from the pandemic have shifted production, demand and business management models towards online channels (see diagram 2). There is no stopping the acceleration of the digital transformation of production and consumption. Value chains and companies alike have been hit by weaker demand for products. This has led to changes in production models, requiring greater responsiveness and operational flexibility. Automation and the use of intelligent manufacturing and operation tools can provide the necessary solutions.
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