A response to an infectious disease event might seem unique however the process of information management should remain the same with some possible exceptions:
Planning - more time might be necessary to fully understand the types of data and sources of data that decision-makers will need. Historically, WHO takes the lead in these situations, be sure to check with them before starting to plan.
Collection - the process of data collection might have health-related issues to take into considerations such as the use of mobile devices (how to disinfect).
Processing - probably not much change but those with health data experience might be needed to identify possible data errors.
Analysis - subject matter experts are critical!
Dissemination - use subject matter experts in the design of products and key messages.
Note that “Contact management” has a different meaning in a health emergency, consider using “partner list” instead of “contact list” to avoid confusion.
Ensure that relevant partners are attending your IMWG.
Staffing: manage leave plans and ensure all staff know what their priorities and deadlines are
As for any possible emergency, data preparedness is key. Make sure your CODs are in order and available on HDX. CODs specific to the event could include:
Health facilities (enquire with the Health cluster or WHO Office whether a HeRAMS is in place or being triggered)
Health boundaries
Insecure areas
Refugee and IDP (numbers and movement)
Transport routes
Airports (including movement of people - flight paths)
Borders and crossing points
Use existing structures and platforms, if at all possible, such as HDX, HR.info, ReliefWeb, H.id. There might be a push to try new systems but, as always, an emergency is not the time to try out new software or systems.
Many new actors might show up to provide assistance and support, be flexible to take advantage of new opportunities but don't drastically change the approach to IM as conducted in a "regular" emergency
Data that OCHA IMOs normally do not have experience with could be critical especially epidemiological data, reach out to subject matter experts to help analyze and present the data.
Consider doing a stakeholder mapping exercise to identify data sources and information flows.
Outputs/Resources from the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific during COVID-19 in 2020
The Office sent a survey (using Google Forms) to its usual Regional humanitarian partner list. The survey tracks which agencies are doing (or could be doing) which of the nine response activities from the WHO Global response plan, in which countries. The resulting infographic from this information is on ReliefWeb.