Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Best Practice Case Studies

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The COVID-19 incident period ended on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.

The following is a collection of key findings and considerations for jurisdictions and communities regarding ongoing COVID-19 pandemic operations across the country. They cover topics such as:

  • Food Banks
  • Government Engagement with Citizens
  • Considerations for People with Disabilities
  • Community Emergency Response Teams
  • Volunteer Management


The COVID-19 Best Practices are searchable by title or keyword below, and they can be filtered by FEMA's community lifelines and core capabilities.

Community lifelines enable the continuous operation of essential government and business functions to promote public health and safety and economic security.

Core capabilities are distinct, critical elements that are necessary to achieve our National Preparedness Goal.

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For more information on these COVID-19 best practices, organizations and individuals can email the FEMA Continuous Improvement Team.

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FEMA does not endorse any non-government entities, organizations, or services. Claims made by third parties have not been independently verified by FEMA.

Local jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations have compiled resources and offered video conferencing services for students and employees with disabilities who are learning or working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People with disabilities must have equal access to COVID-19 information as those without disabilities. State and local jurisdictions, as well as healthcare organizations, can enhance communication access through visual symptom check cards and accessible videos. These videos may include American Sign Language (ASL)/Puerto Rican Sign Language (PRSL), captioning, voice-over, or audio description. Televised press conferences have also included qualified sign language interpreters.
During natural disasters that coincide with a pandemic, shelter providers can coordinate with disability service organizations to ensure the accessibility of congregate and non-congregate shelters.
Amid the increase in counseling need during the COVID-19 pandemic, crisis counseling providers can train staff on disability-related topics, such as etiquette and accessible communication, to enhance the reach of their services. Crisis counseling services can include auxiliary aids and services for individuals who may have access and functional needs.
To ensure the accessibility of healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical facilities should consider allowing caregivers to accompany patients with disabilities to medical visits, while implementing the necessary precautions for social distancing and mask-wearing. Medical centers have also created visual guides to explain COVID-19 preventive behaviors to individuals with autism.
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