The Department of Homeland Security in the US issued a memorandum on 19th March 2020 that recognized blockchain managers as part of the critical infrastructure workers amid the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.
The deadly virus that’s made its way through all the continents has virtually brought the entire world down on its knees, practically begging for a respite. And while the countries struggle to cope up with the distressing lockdowns, this time has given all of us an opportunity to really stop and think about what’s critical and what’s not.
Amid this chaos, some emerging technologies like the blockchain and artificial intelligence are rapidly catching the attention of world leaders and global regulators. Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that blockchain is an essential technology during this time of crisis as it helps with effectively storing and managing patient data and assisting the government in streamlining social governance.
On Thursday, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put forth a memorandum that states blockchain managers as part of an essential workforce during the lockdown. Blockchain managers, along with health care workers and pharmaceutical employees, are critical to food and agriculture distribution and, thus, must follow regular working hours despite lockdown, the memo emphasized.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which was responsible for publishing the memo, although the government is urging everyone to stay at home as much as possible and avoid stepping out unless urgent, specific workforces have the social responsibility of serving the community despite the crisis.
They are critical to maintain a safe balance and thus should continue with their normal working schedule, the announcement stated. This critical infrastructure list now consists of employees involved in food and beverage distribution, supply chain managers, blockchain managers, and third-party vendors, healthcare workers, and people supporting the sale of pharmaceutical drugs.
The CISA also confirms that the above list was drafted after consulting several industry experts, State officials, government agencies, and partners from the federal agency. It also adds that the list is not the final draft yet and will continue to undergo changes as per the stakeholder feedback and evolving situation.
Meanwhile, the United States today, emerged as one of the worst-hit countries from the coronavirus pandemic, with confirmed cases topping thirty-two thousand, as reported by CNN. Quite naturally, the country is now bracing itself for the worst-case scenario should the situation further deteriorate.
