Promoting civil protection value systems - COVID-19
About this good practice
A central aerial surveillance system using drones has been implemented in the premises of the 112 Center during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in order to help monitor the measure breaches. A control room for aerial surveillance has been set up in the premises of the 112 Osijek Center, where videos from several multicopters are shown in real time, continuously flying over markers placed at critical points in the area of the city of Osijek. This equipment will be used by the Association for the Promotion of the Value of the Civil Protection System to monitor the implementation and compliance with the prescribed measures of the National Staff of the Republic of Croatia in the fight against COVID-19. Main stakeholders were: Public Health Institute, Local civil protection committees, hospital and dispensaries, Civil protection headquarters and the public.
Expert opinion
This good practice illustrates the use of drones and digital technologies during the COVID-19 crisis in the City of Osijek, Croatia. It shows the importance for cities and regions to be innovative in a period of crisis with existing technologies. The experience gained during the COVID-19 crisis by the City of Osijek could then be used in other temporary crises such as environmental, migration, or security. As pointed in the good practice, strong safeguards and checks and balances must be in place to avoid infringements on human rights and privacy.
Resources needed
Human resources (Local civil protection committee of Osijek) and a professional approach are needed so it can become a long-term action. Two drones with thermal cameras were acquired, but also funds for continuous technical upgrades and ensuring the technical correctness of drones are necessary.
Evidence of success
All the public areas in the city of Osijek were efficiently monitored during the lockdown. Thus, the Local civil protection committee of Osijek was alerted each time any measurment breaches were observed, so major problems of citizen gathering and transmitting the disease were prevented. Osijek and its surrounding area consequently had very low number of the infected citizens.
Potential for learning or transfer
This is a relatively new and different approach to preventing the spreading of infection, but it can also be a model for some other activities. It is important to share the experiences of key stakeholders, to take into account the specifics of individual areas. It is important to include possible stakeholders from different geographical areas (sea and mountain areas). It is important to jointly define the "red line" which limits monitoring activities in respect to the privacy of citizens.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
City of Osijek