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Covid-19: Debunking fake news among slum-dwellers

Submitted by pmassetti on

ideasforindia.in (21.01.2021) Urban slum-dwellers are among the groups that are most at-risk of Covid-19, and their precarious situation is further compounded by rampant misinformation regarding the Virus. Based on a survey of about 4,000 households in slum areas in Uttar Pradesh, this article shows that recorded phone messages from doctors giving information on Covid-19 – along with high financial incentives to pay attention – can debunk related fake news.

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india
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Health

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1m Nigerians to benefit from COVID-19 Cash Transfer, Osinbajo says

Submitted by pmassetti on

The Guardian Nigeria News (20.01.2021) - No fewer than One million Nigerians are to benefit from the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Cash Transfer Project which aims to lift the urban poor affected by the pandemic out of poverty. The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said this on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating the COVID-19 Rapid Response Registration (RRR) Cash Transfer Project.

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nigeria
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Cash transfers

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Spain to extend temporary lay-off schemes for 800,000 workers

Submitted by pmassetti on

EURACTIV.com (14.01.2021) The Spanish government is ready to approve before Friday (15 January) an extension of temporary lay-off schemes put in place March last year to protect jobs for around 800,000 workers affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the tourism and services sectors. Under the scheme, the Spanish state gives workers about 70% of their salary and prohibits companies from firing people. In case of fraud or redundancies, companies must return exemptions from contributions to the social security system and risk heavy penalties.

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spain
Topics
Employment

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Lebanon: US$246 Million to Support Poor and Vulnerable Lebanese Households and Build-Up the Social Safety Net Delivery System

Submitted by cambrosio on

worldbank.org (12/01/2021)

The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors approved today a US$246 million new project to provide emergency cash transfers and access to social services to approximately 786,000 poor and vulnerable Lebanese reeling under the pressure of Lebanon’s economic and COVID-19 crises. The Emergency Crisis and COVID-19 Response Social Safety Net Project (ESSN) will also support the development of a comprehensive national social safety nets system to allow a better response to ongoing and future shocks. 

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Asia
lebanon
Global challenges
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Financing
Shocks & extreme events
COVID-19
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Malaysia: All employers in MCO areas eligible to apply for wage subsidy programme, says PM

Submitted by pmassetti on

(18.01.2020) The Star The Wage Subsidy Programme 3.0 under the Social Security Organisation (Socso) will be improved, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The Prime Minister said all employers operating under the movement control order are eligible to apply, regardless of sectors. He said eligible employers would receive a wage subsidy of RM600 for each of their employees earning less than RM4,000 for a period of one month. "Besides that, the limit of 200 employees for each application will be increased to 500 employees.

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malaysia
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Employment
COVID-19

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US: Rethinking social insurance: Policies to protect workers and families

Submitted by pmassetti on

brookings.edu (07.01.2021) In the spring of 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated recession, policymakers originated significant expansions to social insurance, including unemployment insurance benefits, refundable tax credits, and paid leave. Because of this expansion, the average household experienced an increase in purchasing power, even as the labor market and employee compensation sharply contracted during the spring of 2020.

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United States
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Policy analysis

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This company is combining video calls with pop-up clinics to help more people get the care they need

Submitted by pmassetti on

weforum.org (06.01.2021)The use of telemedicine has surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Start-up Carbon Health is working to make it accessible to underserved communities. Its founder says it has reduced costs by using technology to improve efficiency. His company uses pop-up clinics to deliver treatments and COVID-19 tests; patients can book appointments using a smartphone app.

Global challenges

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How China pays for its COVID-19 medical bills

Submitted by pmassetti on

World Economic Forum (14.12.2020) China covers the COVID-19 medical costs for all patients including domestic migrants. The payment structure is part of the country’s “wartime” governance. It also reflects the long-term institutional transformation of the Chinese healthcare system.

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china
Global challenges

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