On 12 March the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is implementing a number of measures as of 11 March, 2020 to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 to vulnerable groups, to safeguard the health of employees and of its business partners and to contribute to the efforts of the authorities to addressing the pandemic.
The position of ICMPD has been from the start of the virus outbreak to rely on the guidance of relevant national and international authorities. For this reason, and in order to support the measures being implemented by our host country, the Republic of Austria, and the other countries where ICMPD has duty stations, the Executive Management has decided on a number of measures that are constantly monitored and adjusted where necessary.
Since 12 March, our employees in Vienna and in several other duty stations are working from home as advised by national authorities and duty travel for all employees has been cancelled, events and trainings have been postponed until further notice. However, we strive to maintain full functionality and services of the organisation by exploring on a number digital and online solutions, to ensure communication and the continuation of our projects.
The health of ICMPD’s employees and that of their family as well as the prevention of further spreading of the disease are of the highest priority for ICMPD.