COVID-19 Case Confirmed at UN New York Headquarters... In-Person Meetings Suspended

Five Members of Niger Delegation, a Member State, Test Positive

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The United Nations announced on the 27th (local time) that it will suspend in-person meetings among staff at its New York headquarters this week.

This decision comes after five members of the Niger delegation tested positive for COVID-19.

In a letter to Volkan Bozkir, President of the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres stated, "Following the advice of the medical team, all direct contact among members will be suspended this week," adding, "We will also conduct contact tracing to determine the extent of exposure to COVID-19 and assess the situation."

Niger is a member of the UN Security Council, which consists of 15 countries.

The most recent Security Council meeting was held on the 22nd, during which COVID-19 testing was conducted on attendees.

Additionally, the Security Council meeting concerning Syria on the 27th was switched to a virtual format.

The UN headquarters in New York hosts 193 personnel from around the world. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, remote work was implemented for all but essential staff. However, since March, meetings among members have been permitted while adhering to preventive measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.