The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) published a policy brief 'The Impact and Policy Responses for COVID-19 in Asia and the Pacific', highlighting the need to step up efforts to 'reduce the digital divide' which have come into greater focus with the introduction of social distancing measures. The document specifies that ICTs can help fight the pandemic through better provision of services, access to vital information, and virtual connectivity that help overcome psychological and social isolation.