Geneva, Switzerland
March 17, 2020
UPOV Circular E-20/020
Madam,
Sir,
This is to inform you of the mitigation measures that the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants(UPOV) is implementing related to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
UPOV reiterates its commitment to the health and safety of its personnel, as well as the communities where they live and work, while delivering the program of work approved by the Council.
Considering the latest measures announced by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton and City of Geneva, together with those by the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) and the World Health Organization, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UPOV is adjusting its working arrangements as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as follows:
Remote working arrangements for the majority of the staff of the Office of the Union
Closing our premises to all individuals except for essential personnel whose physical presence in the UPOV Office is necessary to the delivery of our business-continuity plans.
Implementing remote working arrangements for the vast majority of the staff of the Office of the Union. This has the effect of limiting the need for movement by UPOV personnel while ensuring business continuity.
Official Travel of the staff of the Office of the Union
All official travel of the staff of the Office of the Union in March, April and May is cancelled.
Events and meetings organized or co-organized by UPOV in Geneva
All events and meetings organized or co-organized by UPOV in Geneva during March and April are taking place by electronic means, or will be postponed or cancelled. Participants have been notified accordingly.
Events and meetings organized or co-organized by UPOV outside Geneva
The Office of the Union will monitor the situation on a case by case basis, including in particular with each host of Technical Working Parties (TWPs), the TWP Chairpersons and the TC Chairperson. Further information will be provided in due course on any necessary measures and/or alternative arrangements for the meetings.
UPOV will continue to monitor the evolving situation and take all measures to ensure we align our activities with recommendations from local, regional and international authorities.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Button
Vice Secretary-General
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