The effects of the four basic municipal services that local government is responsible for promoting safe and healthy livin in communities
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Answer:
Municipalities support the wellbeing, health and safety of their residents also during the current state of emergency
Utilising existing forms of cooperation and creating new types of cooperation where needed
Cooperation between different parties (e.g. different sectors of the municipality and cooperation groups, joint municipal authorities, NGOs, parishes and companies) is important, for example, for the coordination of those requiring assistance and those providing it. In this way, it is possible to respond to the need for support and utilise the resources of the different parties.
Communicating with residents in diverse ways so that the information reaches the different target groups
It is worth investing in clear online communications targeted at different target groups. Foreign-language speakers must also be taken into account in one’s communications. In addition to online communications, other means of communication must be used to avoid some people being excluded from receiving information and assistance.
Utilising and redirecting existing resources
By reallocating resources, lay-off of employees can be avoided and, at the same time, health and wellbeing promotion activities that support people's everyday lives can be strengthened.
Maintaining services by reorganising them
Depending on the epidemic situation, municipalities may have to limit their services and only offer the necessary services during the state of emergency. In that case, instead of cancelling the other services entirely, municipalities should offer them remotely where possible. For example, guidance on physical activity can be provided by telephone or online. Services can also be organised in a way that causes the lowest possible risk by moving them outdoors and ensuring a safe social distance. For example, it is possible to go for a walk with the school social worker.
According to the instructions issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the availability of health and social services at the basic level must also be secured in the emergency conditions and special attention must be paid to vulnerable people and people in need of special support. When these services function well and extensively enough, they help to secure the resources of specialised medical care.
Providing support in different ways for everyday life and for different target groups
Municipalities and organisations provide a number of services to support everyday life during the restrictive measures. These include food delivery assistance for risk groups, food distribution for those struggling to make an income, telephone support lines and online peer support.
Engaging in physical activity and cultural activities is supported
On their websites, municipalities and different actors have compiled instructions and tips for how to engage in cultural and physical activities during the state of emergency. For example, museums and libraries have a lot to offer online