Summary
COVID-19 arrived slowly and then quickly for governments across the world. By the end of March 2020, lockdowns and states of emergencies had been declared. Join Gordon Ross as he reflects on his time spent with the British Columbia (BC) Government DDN (digital delivery network), working on the COVID-19 response over the first 12 months of the pandemic. Learn how the government mobilized talent, how decision-making and situational awareness was achieved, and whether the innovations prompted by COVID-19 led to lasting change or costly chaos.
Key Insights
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In response to COVID-19, agile collaboration between government departments was essential for effective crisis management.
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Mapping sessions were vital in visualizing workflow and identifying unknowns early in the response effort.
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The necessity of adapting existing government structures was highlighted as a means to address new public health challenges.
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Innovative solutions, like quarantining workers at hotels, emerged from collaborative mapping and discussions.
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Building a Digital Delivery Network facilitated coordination among over 750 staff from various government sectors, enhancing communication and response speed.
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COVID-19 created a unique pressure that fostered rapid changes in government processes that might typically take years.
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The success of the response hinged on the relationships built between different ministries prior to the pandemic.
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Situational awareness emerged as a key factor in the collaboration, allowing teams to react quickly to changing circumstances.
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Maintaining connections and collaboration following the emergency is critical for future preparedness.
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The concept of a 'COVID dividend' was introduced as a metaphor for the lasting benefits gained from rapid reforms implemented during the pandemic.
Notable Quotes
"Welcome to COVID emergency response work."
"The brilliance of the DDN was that it shortened the network distance between randomly selected government staff."
"We worked with the central government web team who was updating the province's website with safety guidance."
"Flexibility is the networks ability to reconfigure itself and yet retain its goals."
"COVID-19 prompted changes that would normally have taken three years."
"A COVID dividend is the value we will reap from the reforms and changes in behavior caused or accelerated by the pandemic."
"The DNA of the DDN lives on, persisting through the connections made during the crisis."
"Situational awareness was our shared vision."
"We brokered connections, communication, and trust across various departments."
"The next time your phone buzzes with a request for your help, you’ll be ready with the support you need."
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