Major Findings and Recommendations According to the current available evidence from the WHO4 and CDC,5 the main form of transmission of the COVID-19 virus is person-to-person via viral droplets, but the virus can also be transmitted through indirect contact with fomites, which are objects or surfaces contaminated by the virus. More than 40 points in the electoral process involve the assembly of people or transfer of objects and therefore pose risks of virus transmission if no preventive measures are taken. These common interactions occur during all phases of the electoral cycle and are not limited to Election Day. Given these specific methods of transmission of the coronavirus, the following recommendations should apply to all electoral activities: ƒ Communicate and coordinate with competent public health authorities on risk analysis, decision-making, planning and effective implementation of risk-mitigation strategies ƒ Prevent or mitigate person-to-person interaction: Enforce safe physical distance, respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE); when possible, adopt secure remote tools and mechanisms ƒ Prevent or mitigate the contamination of common surfaces and objects: Enforce the use of PPE such as face masks and respiratory hygiene; when possible, adopt touchless mechanisms ƒ Prevent or mitigate individuals’ exposure to contaminated surfaces or objects: Encourage hand sanitization with soap and water or alcohol-based solutions; discourage touching of mouth, nose, and eyes; frequently disinfect surfaces and objects used by multiple people; enforce use of PPE; when possible, adopt touchless mechanisms In addition to these important overarching measures, EMBs would benefit from considering the following recommendations for each electoral activity: Figure 1: Considerations for Electoral Activities Electoral Activity Additional Considerations Electoral and Resource Planning When postponing elections, ensure compliance with legal provisions; conduct scenario planning to schedule elections as soon as possible, and make necessary adjustments to the operational calendar and budget; frequently communicate updates to the public When scheduling elections, consider disease spread, stage of outbreak, capacity of health care system and structure, weather/season Adjust processes and procedures to reduce transmission risks; identify and procure extraordinary or additional material, equipment and supplies; hire extraordinary or additional staff; monitor potential supply chain disruptions Secure funds for additional material, equipment, personnel and processes; prioritize needs and optimize resources with the highest mitigating power Electoral Campaign Streamline COVID-19 messaging and instructions with political parties, candidates, civil society and media; develop codes of conduct or incorporate COVID-19 issues in existing codes Detect and sanction individuals using COVID-19 disinformation for political gain Provide instructions on health precautions for public rallies, debates and other gatherings Adopt or expand access fairly to the media and other methods for remote campaigning -4-