Haim Bibas: Lessons of first wave of Corona will help in future outbreaks
The chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel said the organization utilized its national emergency command center to communicate with its network of mayors, and leaders.
By ALAN ROSENBAUMHaim Bibas, Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel(photo credit: JERUSALEM POST)
Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, speaking at The Jerusalem Post’s virtual conference, “COVID-19 and the Jews: Challenges and Opportunities,” reviewed the organization’s efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Israel, saying that its experience dealing with coronavirus has given the organization the necessary experience in dealing with future outbreaks.HAIM BIBASBibas pointed out that while Israel’s national government decided on the overall coronavirus policy, the federation provided the infrastructure and backbone regarding the actual implementation, offering services to nine million citizens through 257 municipalities.During the corona pandemic, the organization has utilized its national emergency command center to communicate with its network of mayors and leaders.The Federation of Local Authorities, said Bibas, implemented remote education during the crisis, keeping schools running online; provided logistic support, including distribution of food, medicine, medical equipment and basic needs; and assisted in health care by using the national index to measure citizens’ compliance in cities. During the crisis, the local government was directing resources where needed; preparing to set up mobile field hospitals; disseminating information to the public and media about the practical meaning of government decisions; and providing accurate information to the Israeli Arab community.Bibas also said that the federation has allocated NIS 150 million from the National Lottery towards coronavirus recovery, which will be used to assist in the purchase of food, equipment, medicine as well as supporting summer schools and hospitals.“We are wiser now,” he said, “but we have to learn the lessons moving forward.”
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