Digital Government

DHS Taps California-Based Startup to Test Privacy in Contact Tracing Apps

It marks the first of multiple forthcoming awards through the department’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program.

Ideas

No Internet, No Vaccine: How Lack of Internet Access Has Limited Vaccine Availability for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

It appears that internet access is emerging as a new and troublesome determinant of health.

Ideas

We May Owe Tom Hanks for a Bit of COVID Awareness

According to the study, the people who had heard the news reported Hanks’ diagnosis “highlighted the reality of COVID-19” and their susceptibility to the illness.

Digital Government

Civilian and Military Personnel Will Be Deploying to First Federally Run Vaccine Sites in Coming Days

Biden administration launches pilot program for "mega-sites" staffed primarily by federal workers to assist state and local governments.

Digital Government

Survey: Majority of Senior Executives Feel Burned Out

Overall, more than one in three feds attribute burnout to COVID-19 circumstances.

Ideas

COVID Fear Opens You Up to Misinformation

“Fear makes you a closed-minded judge,” a researcher said.

Digital Government

Dozens of Democrats Back Bill to Secure Pandemic-Centered Health Data

Their recently re-introduced legislation is meant to help boost public trust in tech-based apps.

Ideas

COVID-19 Misinformation on Chinese Social Media – Lessons for Countering Conspiracy Theories

The popular conspiracies on Weibo about the origins of COVID-19 differ substantially from those in the U.S.

Ideas

Can Robots and Drones Help to Fight COVID-19?

Using drones to help make our living and working spaces a little safer is not too much of a stretch. 

Policy

Biden Asks OSHA to Consider COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules

A national order from OSHA would bring all states under the same rules, since even states with independent agencies must meet or exceed the federal standard.

Digital Government

White House Directs Agencies to Revise Their Pandemic Plans

The “paramount concern is the health and safety of all federal employees, on-site contractors, and individuals interacting with the federal workforce,” OMB said. 

Ideas

How to Stay Safe with a Fast-Spreading New Coronavirus Variant on the Loose

There is still a lot that scientists and doctors don’t know about the coronavirus and its mutations, but there are some clear strategies people can use to protect themselves.

Digital Government

Biden’s Wave of COVID-19 Executive Orders Relies On Data To Implement

While technology is not the main focus of the pandemic response plan, collecting and disseminating more data is a recurring theme.

Modernization

Biden-Harris Admin Proposes $10B in New IT and Cyber Funding for Federal Agencies

The administration wants to add $9 billion to the Technology Modernization Fund and give CISA a boost.

Digital Government

Synthetic Data Engine to Support NIH’s COVID-19 Research-Driving Effort

It’s all part of a new partnership the agency is embarking on with Syntegra, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Ideas

Americans Have Unrealistic Expectations for a COVID-19 Vaccine

Americans are most likely to intend to vaccinate when a vaccine is made in the U.S., administered in a single dose, over 90% effective and carrying a less than 1 in 100 chance of experiencing minor side effects.

Digital Government

SBA Relaunches COVID Loan Program As Watchdog Warns About Possible Fraud 

The recent COVID relief package included funding for a third round of the program, which has come under much scrutiny. 

Cybersecurity

NSA Cyber Directorate Touts Election, Pandemic Security Work in 2020 Review

Anne Neuberger, NSA’s director of cybersecurity, said the agency “surged rapidly” to secure telework and protect networks used in vaccine development.