Many organizations may first utilize the Ecocycle Planning toolkit in their efforts to engage in better planning related to the COVID-19 pandemic (or any new waves of the pandemic in the future). This section of the toolkit will support organizations choosing to focus on that planning issue but also provide a concrete example of how Ecocycle Planning can be undertaken.
A very basic COVID-19 Ecocycle Planning map helps us see common responses to the pandemic in Diagram 3. Appendix B offers a blank Ecocycle Planning map for you to use specific to your organization, to map out what actions you have taken, what further planning you might consider doing now and how you might plan for any subsequent waves.
In using the Ecocycle Planning framework, recognized inequities and responses can be included to provide a more fulsome picture. This will be particularly important for any required further planning and pandemic adaptability. Some specific details of this kind of exercise are provided in Appendix C: Insights of the HIV Response to the Declaration of a COVID-19 Pandemic.
Diagram 2 -
Common aspects of the HIV sector response to
the declaration of a COVID-19 pandemic
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- Identification of relevant policies for review, updating and development (e.g. mask, vaccination and work from home policies)
- Updating of Health and Safety practices and communication processes
- Reduction of activities to core services
- Identification and expansion of partnerships and outreach activities
- Develop or adjust programs to support increased mental health needs
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- Support staff in managing change, grief and loss
- Office renovations in adherence to public health requirements
- Development of logistical procedures related to building access
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- Reduction or adjustment in hours
- Office closures
- Staff redeployment
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- Review and updating of an existing plan or development of a new plan (modifying a relevant externally available plan whenever possible)