Learning together in the struggle with Covid-19

For the second time during the corona pandemic, the Governing Mayor of Berlin and President of Metropolis, Michael Müller, held a video conference with the Mayors of Berlin's twin cities to discuss measures and successes in the fight against the global spread of the virus. Mayors and representatives from Buenos Aires, Budapest, Istanbul, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mexico City, Moscow and Paris took part in the conference.

In most of these cities, the infection numbers are declining. A central question addressed during the video call was how local governments can guarantee optimal protection for risk groups if contact restrictions are reduced. During the conference, it became evident that cities are currently dealing with similar challenges. Common challenges are for example the opening of schools and educational institutions, revitalising the public transport and creating acceptance for safety measures after months of lockdown. Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Michael Müller, shared experiences on the Berlin testing strategy focusing on target groups, setting up the Covid-19 emergency hospital and the early warning traffic-light system.

Experts from the participating cities were involved in the discussion to advise on the medical aspects. Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten of the Charité Berlin took for example part in the discussion. The high number of participants and the intensive discussion show the great need for an exchange of experiences in this time of crisis. Berlin has agreed with its sister cities to continue learning with and from each other, also through a regular exchange of concepts and measures on how to deal with the urban challenges in the fight against the virus.

Source: Berlin Senate Chancellery