Putting Science into Standards (PSIS): Standardization Needs for Improved Management of COVID-19 (A JRC Scoping Exercise on Potential Standardization Gaps)

Abstract

The Joint Research Centre in collaboration with the European standardization bodies CEN and CENELEC launched a scoping exercise on standardization needs in response to COVID-19 and future pandemics. The purpose of the exercise was to identify ongoing harmonization initiatives, as was well as further standardization needs in relevant sectors such as artisanal reusable face masks, medical face masks, and social distancing in closed public or commercial spaces. An overview of already ongoing standardization activities relevant to COVID-19 in Spain and Italy illustrate, although fragmented and partially complete, the importance of standardization in key sectors for combatting pandemics, such as in health, social, safety and security. This report informs colleagues in European institutions and Member States about the crucial role standardization plays in the common efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include potential inputs to the drafting of guidelines, methods and or interoperability standards. Finally, the report also provides practical examples of agile standardization activities and deliverables that have the potential to enable the EU to respond more effectively and multilaterally to future crises. With this report we aim to raise awareness about the opportunities that standardization and harmonization can bring in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.