<p>The current COVID-19 pandemic requires rapid, evidence-based action to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its direct and indirect negative consequences.Data for wider decision-making in poor and remote areas is largely missing, putting evidence constraints to potential development aid responses.In our project, we illustrate how a cooperative approach between researchers and non-governmental organizations, combined with high-frequency digitized panel data collection, can help to tackle some of these challenges.The focus lies on the early detection of disease outbreaks in clusters combined with simultaneous containment responses.We present results from an initiative that started in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Part 1: Aims at generating evidence on how young firms and young workers are coping with the current situation.We target 720 alumni of accredited Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) in Uganda who graduated 2 to 4 years ago, whom, as of January 2020 were: young entrepreneurs (22%), formal workers (44%) and informal workers (24%) in core manufacturing and service sectors in Uganda (plumbing, welding, carpentry, tailoring, etc.).</p>

<p>Wearing masks and regularly washing hands with soap and clean water are strategies recommended by the CDC and the WHO to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.These actions may be feasible in settings where social distancing measures are difficult to implement.However, it is challenging for health authorities in low-income countries (LICs) to share accurate, up-to-date information with local communities, and misinformation and mistrust can undermine compliance.</p>