COVID-19 in Asia and the Pacific Guidance Notes

This guidance note underscores the potential of education technology (EdTech) solutions in transforming learning, teaching, and training systems during and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, governments have been coping with and responding to the challenges posed by the closure of education institutions while guidelines from international agencies seek to address the disruptions and responses. Drawing from and reinforcing the key principles of these courses of action, the guidance note also provides suggestions and pointers that stakeholders in developing countries can consider for a long-term road map to improve quality, relevance, and inclusion in education. It is one of a series produced by the Asian Development Bank for key sectors and thematic areas.

The economic and social impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been dramatic, and transport has played a central role in its spread. The transport sector has also enabled essential workers to get to work during the pandemic and will support the needs of the population throughout the different stages of recovery. This guidance note presents (i) the impacts of the pandemic on social and travel behaviors in Asia and the Pacific, and how the transport sector is responding; and (ii) guiding principles and good practices in transport operations to support economic recovery.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is significantly impacting the development and life cycle of public—private partnership (PPP) projects in Asia and the Pacific. This has led to disruptions in trade, production, and supply chains as well as sharp declines in consumption and investment. This guidance note examines the impacts of COVID-19 on PPP projects in region including the implications for contractual arrangements. It presents governance practices that will help mitigate the risks and outlines important considerations for governments in regard to managing PPP projects for a post-pandemic recovery.