Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources 2021
CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS - 2021 | 2022 | 2020
ARUSHA - Remote work posture in Arusha
Dear Staff,
In consideration of the concerning escalation of COVID cases in the Arusha office, the Principals have decided to adopt in Arusha the same remote working posture recently put in place in The Hague. For staff who wish to avail themselves of working from home, they may now do so up to 5 days per week, either amending current FWA arrangements or putting in place new ones, and ensuring that the correct entries for attendance are entered into Umoja.
This posture will be maintained until the end of the judicial recess on 7 January, at which point the situation will be re-assessed.
Please stay safe, be sure to employ all the current health protection measures, and recharge during the holiday recess period.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 15 December, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of today, 22 December, is as follows:
14 new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report: 2 cases in The Hague and 12 cases in Arusha, with no hospitalizations. Due to the possible workplace exposure, full contact tracing was carried out and all persons potentially exposed are being placed on precautionary quarantine and monitored.
In total, 71 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which 19 are currently infected, 43 have recovered, 7 were hospitalized and 2 have passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
IRMCT COVID-19 figures_22 Dec '21.pdf
Management would like to highlight the current measures in place, according to the "What to do if" guidelines on the COVID-19 page on the Tribunet.
In case you or members of your household become symptomatic, do not enter premises and contact the Medical Unit immediately.
Symptomsinclude: fever, (dry) cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, and/or sneezing, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sudden loss of smell or taste, fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite, red, sore or inflamed eyes, skin rash, aches and pains, dizziness, irritability or confusion, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea not otherwise explained.
If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above:
1. As soon as possible, contact the Medical Unit by email. You are encouraged to also inform your supervisor;
2. Do not come to the office unless you have been cleared to do so by the Medical Unit;
3. If advised to do so by the Medical Unit, quarantine as per the measures listed above;
4. Prepare and provide to the Medical Unit information on your recent entries to Mechanism premises and any close contacts with Mechanism colleagues during the period preceding the onset of symptoms; and
5. Inform the Medical Unit of a negative test result or the cessation of symptoms;
If you become symptomatic while on Mechanism premises, stay where you are, call the Medical Unit or the SSS control center, and follow their instructions.
For more information or scenarios, please refer to http://tribunet2/coronavirus/index.php?page=whattodo#scenario3%20o or contact the Medical Unit:
The Hague
Medical Unit -
medicalunit@un.org, +31-70-512-5071
SSS Control Centre: +31-70-512-5200
Arusha
Medical Unit -
mictmedicalunitarusha@un.org, +255-27-256-5339
SSS Control Centre: +255-27-256-5200,
+255-78440085
THE HAGUE - New entry rules for travel to the EU/Schengen as of 22 December 2021
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued the attached Note Verbale, outlining the revised testing and quarantine requirements for travel from outside the EU/Schengen as of 22 December 2021.
The Note Verbale refers to the exemptions to testing and quarantine posted on the government.nl website. Please look under the heading "Diplomats" for the relevant exemptions. Note that a Health Declaration and Quarantine Declaration may be required, even for persons invoking a testing and/or quarantine exemption.
A red UNLP is considered equivalent to a diplomatic passport, whilst a blue UNLP is not. Therefore a blue UNLP does not give rise to a testing or quarantine exemption. Persons travelling on mission ("essential work") to the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen may be exempted from the quarantine requirement further to the issuance of a Note Verbale by the Mechanism. In the event such a Note Verbale is required, please contact the VEU (email: irmct-veu@un.org) well in advance of the travel to the Netherlands.
Please recall that the EU entry ban for non-EU nationals/residents travelling from non-EU/Schengen countries with a high Covid-19 risk remains in place, unless one of the exemption categories applies. One such exemption category is having been vaccinated against Covid-19. Holders of a diplomatic identification card issued by the MFA or UNLP are also exempted from the EU entry ban.
This online checklist may assist persons in making their travel plans for travel from outside the EU/Schengen zone, with links to the Health Declaration and Quarantine Declaration forms. https://reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en
THE HAGUE - Additional information on Covid-19 booster vaccinations in the Netherlands
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued the attached Note Verbale on the subject of the Covid-19 booster vaccination campaign.
THE HAGUE - Covid-19 information update for duty station The Hague
The Netherlands in lockdown through 14 January 2022
On 14 December 2021 and again on 18 December 2021, the Dutch Prime Minister and Minister of Health announced additional measures in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus. As of 05:00 hours on 19 December 2021, the Netherlands will enter a strict lockdown through 14 January 2022 in light of the increasing spread of the Omicron variant. This will reduce contacts between persons and allow a sizable portion of the population to obtain a Covid-19 booster vaccination.
This lockdown entails, among others, the closure of all non-essential shops, non-essential service providers including hairdressers, swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, theatres, museums, zoo's and game parks. Restaurants may provide take-away service and shops may offer a "click & collect" service. Swimming lessons may continue. A household may have no more than 2 guests (with no more than 4 guests during Christmas and New Year's Eve and Day). Outdoors the maximum group size is 2 persons from different households.
Elementary schools, secondary schools and universities will close during the week of 20 December 2021. A decision on re-opening of schools and universities on 10 January 2022 will be made on 3 January 2022. After-school child care centers (BSO) will close from 20 December 2021 and will re-open on 10 January 2022. Day care centers for children age 0-4 may main remain open.
Essential shops, including supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations, may remain open from 08:00 - 20:00 hrs. Essential services, including health care, physical therapists, banks, notaries and real estate agents, may continue to offer their services.
Please refer to the following links for further information.
National telephone number for unvaccinated persons seeking information regarding Covid-19 vaccination
Persons who have queries about being vaccinated against COVID-19 may call a national phone number 088 7555777 for information and advice. This "Vaccinatie Twijfeltelefoon" is operated by doctors and medical students at four academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Should you remain unvaccinated, you are encouraged to call this telephone number to discuss your queries. Staff members may also discuss their queries on a confidential basis with the Mechanism's Medical Unit staff in The Hague. To set up an appointment, please send an email to the Medical Unit (medicalunit@un.org).
Covid-19 booster vaccinations
The vaccination campaign for Covid-19 booster vaccinations is gaining speed in the Netherlands. The bulk of the booster campaign will be completed in the second half of January 2022. Boosters are now available for eligible persons whose the last Covid-19 vaccination was at least 3 months ago.
Currently persons residing in the Netherlands may schedule an online appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination booster if born in 1961 or earlier, provided (i) the last Covid-19 vaccination was at least 3 months ago and (ii) there was no positive Covid-19 test at the GGD in the past 3 months. The vaccination appointment can be made online using the DigiD verification method. The online portal is available at planjeprik.nl or coronavaccinatie-afspraak.nl. Upon receipt of the RIVM invitation letter, those who do not have a DigiD may call 0800 7070 between 08:00 - 20:00 hours to schedule an appointment for the booster vaccination. Over the course of the next few days, persons born in 1962 and 1963 will be able to schedule their booster vaccination appointment. Every day or so another age group is invited to schedule their booster vaccination appointment.
In addition, persons belonging to the medical risk group who received vaccination priority in the spring of 2021 will receive either a SMS or invitation by mail on 23 December 2021, inviting them to make an appointment for a booster vaccination. This is mainly relevant for younger persons who would otherwise not yet be eligible based on their age. The appointment cannot be made if the person tested positive for Covid-19 at the GGD within the last 3 months.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet approved boosters for children under the age of 18. Once the EMA approval is granted, it is expected that children age 12-17 will be offered a booster vaccination.
The twitter account of the GGD provides the most up to date information regarding booster eligibility.
Covid-19 vaccination for children age 5-11
Children between the age of 5 and 11 will be offered Covid-19 vaccination starting in late December 2021. Approximately 40,000 children with certain medical conditions are being prioritized, with the treating physicians at the hospital nominating the children for priority vaccination. Other children will be offered vaccinations in the second half of January 2022. The appointment cannot be made if the child tested positive for Covid-19 at the GGD within the last 3 months.
Covid pass and DCC expirations
From 1 February 2022, the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) will only be valid for the purpose of travel within the EU, EEA and Switzerland if the last Covid-19 vaccination was done in the previous 9 months. For example, a person whose last Covid-19 vaccination was on 15 July 2021 will have his or her DCC expire on 15 April 2022. Some EU Member States, however, have imposed additional Covid-19 testing as a precondition for entry into the country.
In the Netherlands, the Covid pass (called "Coronatoegangsbewijs," CBT) used for the purpose of entry into restaurants, bars, museums, etc., in the Netherlands is currently valid for one year from the date of the last vaccination. The Minister of Health has, however, advised that this validity period will be shortened.
As of 15 December 2021 some EU Member States are employing shorter time frames for the validity periods for the national version of the DCC for the purpose of entry into non-essential shops, restaurants, bars, museums and ski lifts, etc., and may no longer recognize the Janssen vaccination if no mRNA vaccine booster has been taken.
Staff are advised to carefully check Covid-19 testing and vaccination requirements prior to making any plans entailing international travel.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 8 December, Management last shared information about COVID-19
infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of
today, 15 December, is as follows:
Six new cases of COVID-19
infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last
report: 2 cases in The Hague and 4 cases in Arusha, with no
hospitalizations. Due to the possible workplace exposure, full contact
tracing was carried out and all persons potentially exposed are being
placed on precautionary quarantine and monitored.
In total, 57
Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which 6
are currently infected, 42 have recovered, 7 were hospitalized and 2 have
passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of
the data.
Management would like to highlight the current measures in place, according to the "What to do if" guidelines on the COVID-19 page on the Tribunet.
In case you or members of your household become symptomatic, do not enter premises and contact the Medical Unit immediately.
Symptoms include: fever, (dry) cough, runny nose, nasal congestion,
and/or sneezing, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
sudden loss of smell or taste, fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite,
red, sore or inflamed eyes, skin rash, aches and pains, dizziness,
irritability or confusion, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea not
otherwise explained.
If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above:
1. As soon as possible, contact the Medical Unit by email. You are
encouraged to also inform your supervisor;
2. Do not come to the office unless you have been cleared to do so by the Medical Unit;
3. If advised to do so by the Medical Unit, quarantine as per the measures listed above;
4. Prepare and provide to the Medical Unit information on your recent entries to Mechanism premises and any close contacts with Mechanism colleagues during the period preceding the onset of symptoms; and
5. Inform the Medical Unit of a negative test result or the cessation of symptoms;
If you become symptomatic while on Mechanism premises, stay where you
are, call the Medical Unit or the SSS control center, and follow their
instructions.
For more information or scenarios, please refer to What to do if... or contact the Medical Unit:
The Hague
Medical Unit -
medicalunit@un.org, +31-70-512-5071
SSS Control Centre: +31-70-512-5200
Arusha
Medical Unit -
mictmedicalunitarusha@un.org, +255-27-256-5339
SSS Control Centre: +255-27-256-5200,
+255-78440085
Transitioning our return to workplace in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic for all duty stations (other than UNHQ-NY)
Dear Colleagues,
We hope that you and your family are well and in good health.
Please find attached an updated version of the Human Resources Policy Guidance for all duty stations on Transitioning our return to the workplace in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic for all duty stations (other than UNHQ-NY). It has been updated by the Office of Human Resources in consultation with the Department of Operational Support and the Resident Coordinator System/Development Coordination Office.
The Guidance expands on the existing principles applicable to all duty stations (other than UNHQ-NY), including an emphasis on vaccination, and includes additional annexes to facilitate consistent implementation across entities and duty stations.
The Guidance also builds on the newly approved delegation of authority, which delegates to duty stations outside New York Headquarters the authority to decide whether to mandate COVID-19 vaccination to UN personnel performing certain tasks, and to restrict entry to premises if required.
Kindly note that the HR Policy Guidance applicable to New York Headquarters shared on 9 November 2021 remains in effect for HQ.
The updated Guidance, along with other information and resources about COVID-19 available on iSeek and www.un.org/coronavirus.
Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 1 December, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. No new cases were reported in the period between 1-7 December 2021.
In total, 51 Mechanism staff members have been confirmed infected, of which 42 have recovered, 7 were hospitalized and 2 have passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 23 November, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of 30 November, is as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection has been recorded amongst Mechanism staff in The Hague since the last report, with no work exposure or hospitalization. There were no new cases in the other duty stations.
In total, 51 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which 1 is currently infected, 41 have recovered, 7 were hospitalized and 2 have passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
THE HAGUE - Documenting Remote Working for Up to Five Days a Week (until 7 January 2022)
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to advise on how to document remote working following the decision taken by the Principals on Friday to allow this for up to five days a week until the end of the judicial recess on 7 January 2022:
For those who already have an approved Flexible Working Arrangement submitted to HR:
- Please discuss with your supervisor.
- If you are approved for additional days to work remotely, you can amend your previous form simply by sending an email to Chief of HR with your supervisor in copy. You do not need to fill in a new form.
- Enter all days in UMOJA that you work remotely under Telecommuting COVID19.
For those who do not have an approved Flexible Working Arrangement submitted to HR:
- Please discuss with your supervisor
- Complete the Flexible Working Arrangement form (available as Remote Working Arrangement on Tribunet or Flexible Working Arrangement on ISEEK (ST/IC/2019/15). To avoid requiring additional printing and scanning, please send to your supervisor. Your supervisor will then email to Chief of HR, with the email standing as proof of approval. You no longer need a signature from ITSS.
- Enter all days in UMOJA that you work remotely under Telecommuting COVID19.
For those who have been approved to work remotely due to a recommendation from the Medical Unit:
- If you are not on sick leave but are recommended to work from home due to an underlying medical condition, due to a vulnerable family member residing with you, or as part of a graduated return to work, please enter all days in UMOJA that you work under Telecommuting COVID19.
- If you have not completed a Flexible Working Arrangement form previously, please do so now and attach the email recommendation from the Medical Unit.
This process will stand until 7 January 2022 or a subsequent change in posture by management.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Chief of HR.
THE HAGUE - New COVID-19 Measures: Remote working for five days a week now a possibility
Dear colleagues,
As you would be aware, the Dutch caretaker Prime Minister just held a press conference announcing a series of additional measures in response to the current wave of COVID-19 infections and resultant impact on the Dutch health care system. These new measures include the closing of non-essential businesses (including restaurants/cafes, museums, sport schools and other public spaces) between 17:00 - 5:00. These new measures go into effect on Sunday, 28 November 2021.
When we wrote to you last week, we reported that the Dutch authorities had taken additional measures meant to address the urgent COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands. At that time, there were approximately 13,000 cases per day. Those measures have unfortunately not proven to be effective; the case load over the last few days has been at more than 22,000 cases per day, and hospitals across the country are reaching maximum intensive care capacity.
While we continue to consider that our work posture is safe to staff, we recognize that many staff at the Hague branch are concerned about the sharp rise in infection levels. We have therefore decided that effective Monday, 29 November 2021, all staff in The Hague whose functions and tasks permit can make arrangements with their managers to work remotely up to five days a week. These measures will remain in place until the end of the judicial recess on 7 January 2022.
Please continue to adhere to the health protection measures which have proven to be effective, namely proper hand hygiene, mask usage, distancing and remaining away from premises when symptomatic. Additionally, we repeat our appeal to all staff to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination, which has been scientifically demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of serious infections. Getting vaccinated is the biggest contribution you can make to assist our Host State in this difficult situation. Please, get the jab.
Stay safe and healthy.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 15 November, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of 13 November, is as follows:
Four new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report, with no work exposure or hospitalization: 3 cases in The Hague and 1 case in Arusha.
In total, 50 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which 4 are currently infected, 37 have recovered, 7 were hospitalized and 2 have passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
Message from the Principals on the recent Dutch COVID-19 measures
Dear colleagues,
As those in The Hague will be aware, the Dutch Government last week reintroduced a series of measures in response to developments in the COVID-19 situation, including a recommendation for home working. The COVID-19 Steering Committee met to discuss this development and the Mechanism’s response, and recommended to us as the Principals that, as the Mechanism is already taking all appropriate measures to both maintain business operations and ensure staff safety and health, no changes in our posture in The Hague are accordingly required at this time. We have decided to accept this recommendation.
We think it is important to share the reasoning behind this approach, which was determined after careful consideration of all of the available information, including the following:
- Thankfully, there has been no adverse change in the pathology of the virus or clinical treatment – that is, there is no new viral strain, and current treatment regimens continue to achieve expected results.
- The Mechanism has consistently maintained the broad range of health and safety measures we adopted to make our premises safe, measures beyond those imposed by the Dutch government. The current measures at the Hague branch (including social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitation facilities, stay at home requirements when symptomatic, etc.) have been demonstrated to protect staff health and safety. We know that this is because staff have maintained an admirable vigilance throughout the last 18 months.
- The current work posture, where a large number of staff at the Hague branch are taking advantage of flexible working arrangements, and are already working from home one or two days a week, combined with the regular absences (annual leave, mission travel, sick leave, etc.), as well as the recent downsizing, means that the building is far from full capacity, thus providing ample room for social distancing as well as fewer people in more space.
- Fortunately, the vast majority of staff at the Hague branch have been fully vaccinated, with the opportunity to become so available to everyone for the last several months. Vaccination is scientifically demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of serious infections.
- In-office working continues to be needed to ensure optimal business operations and achievement of our important mandate.
That said, the recent infection rate in the Netherlands has, of course,
concerned us all, and we are monitoring the situation carefully. We would
like to take this opportunity to remind staff to follow Mechanism policies
drafted with their safety in mind, and to refamiliarize themselves with
the “What to do if?” scenario documentation. Likewise, managers are
encouraged to be flexible in allowing those commuting to work by public
transportation to travel outside peak hours.
We will also call
again for staff to take advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated to
protect themselves and others. Vaccination is the single most important
measure we can take as individuals and members of our Host State
communities.
Additionally, staff with underlying conditions
that make it either impossible to be vaccinated, or who have underlying
conditions for which a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 could pose
complications despite having been vaccinated, have been advised for months
to make and maintain contact with the Medical Unit. This advice
remains.
Since March 2020, Mechanism senior management has
prioritized staff health and safety, and the measures that have been
implemented in response to the evolving nature of the pandemic reflect
that. It is important to point out that many, but far from all, of these
measures have been in line with the government advice in our four duty
stations. For example, we implemented stronger measures in Arusha than was
advised by the Host State Government. Likewise, in The Hague, Mechanism
senior management chose not to follow the advice of the Host State in
June, when the use of masks indoors was no longer mandatory, or in
September, when social distancing requirements ended. Every decision
regarding the Mechanism’s COVID-19 posture has been made with the health
and safety of our staff as the first priority, and we allowed ourselves to
diverge from official advice when we believed that it would ensure that
this remained so.
We hope that this information is useful and
allays concerns. As always, the situation in The Hague and all duty
stations will continue to be monitored for further changes.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 30 July, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of 1 August, is as follows:
Nine new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report:
· Six cases in The Hague (2 between August-September, 1 between 18-28 October and 3 between 29 October - 12 November);
· Three cases in Arusha (3 cases, including 1 death between August-September);
· In all 9 cases, there was no work place exposure.
In total, 46 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 37 have recovered, 7 were hospitalized and 2 have passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
THE HAGUE - Revised Covid-19 measures in the Netherlands and walk-in vaccination clinics
On Tuesday, 2 November 2021, revised measures against the spread of the
coronavirus were announced at a press conference held by the Prime
Minister and Minister of Health. Some of these measures have gone into
effect immediately whilst others go into effect on 6 November 2021. Please
refer to the government's website for further information.
https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2021/11/02/press-conference-2-november-2021
The Minister of Health re-iterated the importance of
vaccination as a means to control the spread of the virus and limit the
number of persons requiring hospitalization as a result of a Covid-19
infection. The Minister called on those who have not yet been vaccinated
to contract their GP or the GGD to answer questions persons may have
regarding the vaccines.
In the Haaglanden area, persons may
obtain information regarding Covid-19 vaccination from the GGD Haaglanden
at any of its vaccination locations, including at the Sportlaan 600, The
Hague, where the GGD runs a walk-in vaccination clinic from 9am - 5pm.
https://prikkenzonderafspraak.rijksoverheid.nl/en
https://www.ggdhaaglanden.nl/artikel/wijkgericht-vaccineren-ggd-haaglanden.htm
THE HAGUE - Covid-19 measures as of 25 September 2021
Relaxation of Certain COVID-19 Restrictions and Coronavirus Entry Pass Usage as of 25 September 2021
As of 25 September 2021, a number of COVID-19 measures will be lifted or relaxed in the Netherlands due to the rising vaccination coverage:
- The coronavirus entry pass system (Digital Corona Certificate, DCC) will apply to bars and restaurants (indoors only), events (such as festivals, concerts and professional sports matches) and cultural venues (such as cinemas and theatres). Whether people have a fixed seat or not, and whether the location is indoors or outdoors, everyone aged 13 and over will have to show a valid DCC to gain admission. Everyone aged 14 and over will also have to show their ID (i.e., national passport, MFA ID card, ID card issued by an EU member state or Dutch drivers license) along with their DCC. You can get a DCC if you are fully vaccinated, have valid proof of recovery (issued by an EU member state) or a negative result from a coronavirus test taken by the GGD less than 24 hours before entry. For people without proof of vaccination or recovery, getting tested at the GGD will remain free of charge. Please refer to the attached document if you need guidance in obtaining the DCC following your Covid-19 vaccination.
- Staying 1.5 meters apart from others is no longer mandatory, but is now an urgent advice.
- The advice to work from home has been modified to an advice to work from home if possible and to work from the office if necessary.
- Face masks no longer need to be worn in train stations and at bus, tram and metro stops. Inside trains, busses, trams and metros, masks remain mandatory.
- Restaurants and bars can open to maximum capacity.
- All hospitality establishments (such as bars and dancing clubs) must be closed between midnight and 06.00 hours.
- All events will again be allowed
These changes are laid out in further detail: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/news/2021/09/14/netherlands-to-reopen-further-with-coronavirus-entry-passes
The basic rules still apply: washing hands, coughing and sneezing into the elbow, not shaking hands, staying home and getting tested by the GGD if one has symptoms, and ensuring a good flow of fresh air indoors. Persons who test positive using a self-test must have a further test taken by the GGD.
Third Vaccination Dose and Booster Shots
The Health Council of the Netherlands has advised the Dutch government to provide a third vaccination dose for people with impaired immunity (‘immunocompromised patients’). The Dutch Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) explains on their website which patients are eligible for a third vaccination dose: https://www.rivm.nl/en/covid-19-vaccination/vaccines/immunocompromised-patients
People who are eligible to receive a third vaccine dose will be invited by their medical specialist. Hospitals will send the invitation to their patients over the course of several weeks, starting in October 2021.
As the vaccines that have been provided are still very effective in preventing serious COVID-19 and death, the Health Council of the Netherlands has advised against booster shots for the general population at this time.
Reminder of Health and Safety Measures on Return to Premises
Dear Colleagues,
As we have noted previously, the pandemic is not over and our safety and health depends on all of us acting responsibly in accordance with basic guidelines and common sense as part of our return to premises. In particular, you are required to observe the following:
- Do not enter the premises if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 without first consulting the Medical Unit.
- Staff members with particular health concerns should approach the Medical Unit to discuss their individual circumstances.
- Wear a facemask covering your nose and mouth at entry points and in all indoor areas on our premises. You are not required to wear a facemask while working at your desk or workstation.
- Keep 1.5 meters distance from one another at all times while on Mechanism premises. Offices and meeting spaces have been arranged so 1.5 meters social distance can be maintained. These arrangements should not be altered and the maximum occupancy of meeting spaces may not be exceeded.
- Hand sanitizers/wash stations at entry points must be used before entering premises and staff are encouraged to frequently use the numerous hand sanitizers that are available at premises.
- Practice safe hand and cough hygiene.
- Observe directions on signs posted in our premises.
- Comply with all other COVID-19 policies posted on the Tribunet and on the COVID-19 website.
- Respect your colleagues who wish to take extra precautions, for example if they wish to wear a mask in a shared office or meeting rooms.
Return to Office announcement
The Principals have agreed that all staff in all duty stations who have been fully vaccinated or were offered the opportunity to be vaccinated but declined, or who have fully recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection, shall return to working on Mechanism premises on a full-time basis as from Monday, 13 September 2021.
Staff who wish to be vaccinated but have not yet completed their vaccination process will be supported in continuing to work remotely until two weeks after the final vaccine dose has been administered. Staff working in offices where full physical presence on premises is not legally permissible under host state laws, irrespective of their vaccination status, shall continue with current arrangements to work on a rotational basis until further notice.
Staff members with particular health concerns should approach their
respective managers or section chiefs for discussions about their
individual circumstances.
The pandemic is not over and our safety and health depends on all of us
acting responsibly in accordance with basic guidelines and common sense.
In particular, you are requested to observe the following:
- Do not enter the premises if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 without first consulting the Medical Unit.
- Wear a facemask covering your nose and mouth at entry points and in all indoor areas on our premises. You are not required to wear a facemask while working at your desk or workstation.
- Keep 1.5 meters distance from one another at all times while on Mechanism premises. Offices and meeting spaces have been arranged so 1.5 meters social distance can be maintained. These arrangements should not be altered and the maximum occupancy of meeting spaces may not be exceeded.
- Hand sanitizers/wash stations at entry points must be used before entering premises and staff are encouraged to frequently use the numerous hand sanitizers that are available at premises.
- Practice safe hand and cough hygiene.
- Observe directions on signs posted in our premises.
- Comply with all other COVID-19 policies posted on the Tribunet and on the COVID-19 website.
- Respect your colleagues who wish to take extra precautions, for example if they wish to wear a mask in a shared office or meeting rooms.
Updated procedures to obtain Digital COVID Certificate in the Netherlands
Procedures as to how to obtain a Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) in the Netherlands were on 2 August 2021, however the procedures for those who were vaccinated outside of the Dutch national vaccination program (i.e not vaccinated either via the GGD or through one’s Dutch general practitioner) had not yet been fully developed. Now they have been further elaborated:
Option A: Persons vaccinated in a third (non-EU) country
The Ministry of Health has developed a procedure to issue a DCC to persons who received approved vaccines in a third (non-EU) country. This procedure also applies to persons who received one vaccination in the Netherlands and one vaccination in a third (non-EU) country.
Persons to whom this situation applies are invited to schedule a physical appointment with the GGD Utrecht by telephone: 030 - 8002899. The location for the appointment is close to the main train station of Utrecht and will be announced in the appointment confirmation.
The following documents should be brought to the appointment:
- An identity document that corresponds to the data on the proof of vaccination;
- A document that states the person’s citizen service number (BSN);
- Proof of vaccination that has been issued in/by the country where the vaccination was received.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the GGD Utrecht are currently looking into ways for establishing a digital route for this procedure. Once this route is in place, the Ministry will inform all diplomatic missions and International Organisations accordingly.
Option B: Persons vaccinated in the Netherlands outside the national vaccination programme
The procedure outlined above under option A at the GGD Utrecht can be followed.
Option C: Persons vaccinated by competent authorities in another EU member state
Persons are invited to contact the institute that provided their vaccination within the EU member state concerned to obtain a DCC.
Option D: Other cases
In the event that none of these scenarios apply to you, please contact the Visas and Entitlements Unit, who can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss your individual situation further.
Additional information about the DCC and COVID-19
Education Grant and Related Benefits during COVID-19 Version 2 – 28 July 2021
The below provisions will apply to Education Grant and Special Education Grant claims for the school years in effect on 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2021.
Attendance and determination of School Year
On-line attendance to classes or distance learning will be treated as full-time attendance for education grant purposes when schools made these arrangements as a substitute or an alternative to attendance on campus due to COVID-19 pandemic.&n
Example: Original school year 9 September 2019-19 June 2020 School started on-line classes on 16 March through 19 June 2020 School year remains 9 September 2019-19 June 2020 HR partners will consider this complete period (9 September 2019-19 June 2020) for determination of full-time attendance regardless of the method of instruction.
If schools decide to end the academic year earlier than scheduled or extend beyond the normal cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic instead of offering on-line classes or distance learning arrangements, the HR partner will shorten or lengthen the original length of the school year accordingly when processing an EG claim.
Example: Original school year 9 September 2019-19 June 2020 School stopped classes on 16 March 2020 School year becomes 9 September 2019-15 March 2020 (approx. 6 months) HR partners will consider this period (9 September 2019-15 March 2020) for determination of full-time attendance. The period of the school year as determined by the schools in the paragraphs above will be used to calculate any necessary prorations as per the existing policy provisions. B
Boarding Assistance/Capital Assessment
The flat sum of boarding assistance or capital assessment fee will not be prorated, if the child left the boarding and/or school earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with existing policy, boarding is only payable for staff members in duty stations with a hardship classification of A to E when the child attends school away from the country of the duty station of staff member. Therefore, if children of these staff members attended school remotely from the staff members’ duty station for the whole school year, the staff members are not eligible to receive boarding assistance for the children.
Supporting Documentation
In the event that staff members cannot obtain original forms (P.45 or P.41) with school’s seal or other supporting documents on school’s official stationery, HR partners may accept the scanned copies of such documentation to process education grant claims or request for advance. However, staff members shall be required to retain scanned copies of all relevant documentation as well as e-mail communications received from schools sending the scanned copies of those documents for a period of five years from the date of submission of the claim for payment.
Timeline for submission of claims
Under staff rule 3.17, staff members may claim an allowance, grant or payment within a year of the date on which the staff member would have been entitled to such payment. Staff members may claim retroactive education grant for which education grant advance has not been paid within one year and a half following the end of the school year by exercising an exceptional six-month extension of the one-year retroactivity rule if the delay in submission is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Example: If staff member did not receive an education grant advance and has not submitted an education grant claim for the school year of 9 September 2019 to 19 June 2020, staff member can submit such claim within one year and a half following the end of school year, i.e. until 18 December 2021 (instead of until 18 June 2021).
Staff members who received education grant advance and experience difficulties obtaining supporting documentation from the school due to school closure, the recovery of the education grant advance would be postponed for 6 months after the end of the school year (which normally takes place three months after the end of the school year).
Example: If staff member received an education grant advance for the school year of 9 September 2020 to 19 June 2021, a staff member may settle the claim without recovery by submitting the documents mentioned above through 18 December 2021 (instead of by 18 September 2021).
Education Grant Travel
Education grant travel is normally undertaken during the academic year or within three months of the beginning or the end of the academic year. When the travel was disrupted as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, HR partners may extend the time limitations for a period not exceeding three months or until the travel restrictions are lifted in the affected locations, whichever is longer.
Refunds
When schools refund part of the tuition fees or other admissible expenses (including itemized boarding expenses in the case of special education grant claims) as a result of school closure or other circumstances, these amounts should be duly reflected on the documentation certified by the school. HR partners will consider this information when processing the education grant claim.
Relation with Flexible Working Arrangements
Paragraph 5(c) of ST/IC/2019/15 on flexible working arrangements is applicable to staff members who telecommute from their home country for more than two thirds of the academic year. Accordingly, staff members who telecommute from their home country for more than two thirds of the school year will have their claim prorated on the basis of the period of time that they have spent away from their home country compared to the full academic year.
The document has been attached for ease of reference and is available on the iSeek COVID page. Download [PDF - 82 KB]
Reminder: 2021 UN-Wide Health Survey – EXTENDED
Because we really want to give you the chance to share your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN-Wide Health Survey has been extended until 15 August 2021. Do not let this opportunity pass to add your voice to the discussion. The UN is listening! Your views and feedback will help the Organization improve its current health and well-being policies and shape its future approaches.?
The Departments of Operational Support (DOS) and Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) are leading the implementation of this comprehensive survey for the UN Secretariat with the aim to evaluate the overall health and safety risks facing personnel, and to collect information on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the physical and mental health of our global workforce. ?
All active UN personnel who receive this broadcast can access this survey at: http://www.unwidehealthsurvey.org/ (generic password: UNHealth2021). After initial entry, the system will generate a unique password that can be used to re-enter the survey and pick up where you left off. No edits can be made following submission.?
This survey is completely anonymous, confidential, and only aims to collect aggregated data. At no point will respondents have to supply any identifying features. You will also have the option to skip any questions that you do not want to respond to.
If you are experiencing any technical issues while completing the survey, please use the help button in the survey’s platform.
More information can also be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) online in English, French and Spanish.
For any other questions, please contact dos-dhmosh-public-health@un.org
Thank you for participating.
Netherlands COVID-19 updates: Digital Covid Certificate news, Dutch travel policy changes, Multi-day events cancelled
- Information on obtaining Digital Covid Certificates follows below
- Colour designation of EU countries no longer based solely on infection rates - all EU states considered yellow or green, save for those who have a 'variant of concern' not already widespread in the Netherlands
- On returning to the Netherlands travellers (over 12) must show either DCC or negative test result PCR (48 hours), Antigen (24 hours)
- On return, travellers are advised to get tested on day 2 and 5, even if vaccinated
- From 8 August, travellers from countries outside EU on 'safe list' can enter with vaccine proof or negative test result
- Multi-day events banned until 1 September at the earliest
- On 13 August Government to make decision on one-day events scheduled from 14 August onwards
DUTCH TRAVEL POLICY CHANGES:
The government is changing its policy on travelling within the European Union (EU). This decision is based on three positive developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic in Europe: more than half of all adults in the EU are now fully vaccinated. In the Netherlands 83.5% of adults are partly vaccinated and 59% are fully vaccinated; despite the growing number of infections, hospital and ICU admissions are manageable; member states agreed to facilitate travel within the EU as of 1 July with the Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) scheme.
The amended policy on travel creates more certainty and clarity for people who want to travel within the EU. Requiring people to get tested before returning to the Netherlands can help avoid a possible flare-up of infections here. Travelling within the EU is possible, but not carefree. Measures are still necessary to ensure travel across borders is safe and responsible. Download the BZ Travel App and add your destination country to favourites in order to receive the latest travel advice. Read the travel advice on wijsopreis.nl before you leave.
Before leaving the Netherlands
As of Tuesday 27 July 2021 the Netherlands will not designate EU countries as ‘orange’ solely on the basis of the number of coronavirus infections there. An EU country can still be designated as orange, but only if a new variant of concern is present there. This effectively means that the government is no longer advising against travel to any EU countries, which are all to be designated as either yellow or green. This brings the Dutch travel advice in line with the advice of many other EU countries. However, other countries can still impose extra requirements on people coming from the Netherlands. Read the latest travel advice for your destination, and the rules that apply there (in Dutch only).
Now that many countries are easing coronavirus restrictions, increasing infection rates are inevitable. If we continue issuing travel advice based on infection rates alone, it is likely that in the coming weeks we would have to discourage unnecessary travel to more and more countries. In view of the changed situation in the EU (vaccination coverage, situation in hospitals, introduction of the COVID certificate), the government believes this is no longer necessary or proportionate. As of 27 July countries will be designated as orange only if a new variant of concern is present there that is not yet widespread in the Netherlands.
Before returning to the Netherlands
To avoid people bringing the coronavirus home, as of 8 August 2021 travellers aged 12 and older need to show a COVID certificate if they are returning to the Netherlands from an EU country that has been designated as yellow. People who have been fully vaccinated or who have recovered from a coronavirus infection can show this using the CoronaCheck app. Other travellers must get tested abroad no more than 48 hours (PCR test) or 24 hours (antigen test) before returning to the Netherlands. They may only enter the Netherlands with a negative test result. People who are not travelling in their own vehicle will have to show a COVID certificate before boarding. This can be a negative test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. There are no measures for travellers returning from green countries.
Four countries in Europe are currently orange: Andorra, Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. As a result of the new policy, the travel advice for these countries will change to yellow on 27 July. This means you can travel, but there are risks. People travelling from these countries were already required to show a COVID certificate.
After arrival in the Netherlands
Everyone who arrives in the Netherlands, even if they have been fully vaccinated, is advised to get tested. This is because even people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from a previous coronavirus infection can carry the virus and infect others. People travelling from yellow countries who have not yet been fully vaccinated and have not had coronavirus are urgently advised to do a self-test or get tested for free at the municipal health service (GGD) on day 2 and day 5 after their arrival in the Netherlands. Even people who have no symptoms can carry the virus and infect others. People travelling to the Netherlands from other EU member states are not required to quarantine on arrival, unless there is a variant of concern in the country they have been in.
Travel safely and prepare well
The government stresses that it is important to check the travel advice or in the BZ Travel App. If you live in the Netherlands and are going abroad, add your destination to favourites to stay informed. You should check the travel advice not only when you book, but also shortly before travelling, during your stay and when you return. A country that is designated as green when you leave the Netherlands may, if the coronavirus situation changes, be yellow or orange when you return. You should therefore add proof of vaccination or proof of recovery in the CoronaCheck app, even if you don’t expect to need it. It is also a good idea to find out before travelling where you can get tested at your destination.
Returning or entering the Netherlands from a country outside Europe
For travel outside Europe, the EU list of safe countries applies. From 8 August people travelling from countries on this list can enter the Netherlands but must show a negative test result or proof of vaccination.
DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATION (DCC) INFORMATION
As of 26 July 2021, a number of options are available for staff members of diplomatic missions and International Organisations to obtain a Digital COVID Certificate (DCC).
How to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination certificate for vaccinations received within the framework of the Dutch national vaccination programme:
Option A: Persons without a DigiD vaccinated by a GGD
Persons who have been vaccinated as part of the Dutch national vaccination programme by a GGD and who are unable/unwilling to obtain a DigiD can request a DCC at the GGD Haaglanden. As of 26 July 2021 through, applications can be submitted through vaccinatieqr@ggdhaaglanden.nl and should include:
- First name(s)
- Last name
- Date of birth
- Address (including postal code)
- Place of residence
- Location and date of vaccinations
- Email address to which the DCC can safely be sent (preferably professional email address)
- Telephone number
Furthermore, the application should be accompanied by:
- A copy of the diplomatic passport or a copy of the diplomatic identity card that has been issued by the Ministry
- A copy of the vaccination registration card that has been issued by the GGD (please note that a copy of the yellow booklet is not accepted). In certain cases, the applicant may be asked to identify themselves at the office of the GGD Haaglanden by appointment. GGD Haaglanden aims to process applications within three working days. If identification in person is needed, the overall process may take longer. Further questions about the above-mentioned procedure may be directed to vaccinatieqr@ggdhaaglanden.nl.
Option B: Persons without a DigiD vaccinated by their General Practitioner (GP)
Persons who have been vaccinated as part of the Dutch national vaccination programme by their General Practitioner (GP) are advised to contact their GP for the issuance of a DCC.
Option C: Persons with a DigiD vaccinated by a GGD or GP
For persons in the possession of a DigiD, a DCC can be generated in the CoronaCheck app. Instructions have been communicated previously.
How to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination certificate for vaccinations received outside the framework of the Dutch national vaccination programme:
Option A: Persons vaccinated in a third (non-EU) country
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, together with its implementing partners, are currently developing a procedure for the issuance of a DCC for staff members of diplomatic missions and International Organisations who received approved vaccines in a third (non-EU) country. As soon as this procedure is in place, persons are invited to either make a physical appointment or to file an online application.
Applications should include:0
- A copy of the diplomatic passport or a copy of the diplomatic identity card that has been issued by the Ministry
- A copy of the vaccination registration card that has been issued in/by the country where the vaccination has been received. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will inform all diplomatic missions and International Organisations about the relevant procedure as soon as more information is available.
Option B: Persons vaccinated in the Netherlands outside the national vaccination programme
The procedure outlined above under option A can be followed as soon as the procedure is in place.
Option C: Vaccinations administered by competent authorities in another EU member state
Persons are invited to contact the institute that provided their vaccination within the EU member state concerned to obtain a DCC.
In the event that none of these scenarios apply to you, please contact the Visas and Entitlements Unit, who can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss your individual situation further.
MULTI-DAY EVENTS WITH OVERNIGHT STAYS CANCELLED THROUGH 1 SEPTEMBER
Following consultations with the events industry, the government is extending the ban on all multi-day events until 31 August 2021. The ban applies to multi-day events that include overnight stays, for which visitors would have required a coronavirus entry pass. Organising multi-day events safely and responsibly is complex. Industry representatives themselves state that this is currently not feasible for multi-day events planned in the second half of August. Due to the existing logistic challenges (availability of sufficient staff, arrangements with suppliers, organising tests), organisers needed a clear decision now – any further delay was undesirable. It is, however, not possible to accurately predict epidemiological developments between now and 14 August and which precautionary measures, if any, would be necessary at multi-day events after that date. The government therefore decided to extend the ban on multi-day events involving overnight stays.
On 13 August the government will make a decision on one-day events due to take place between 14 August and 1 September, based on advice from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT). Organisers of multi-day events with overnight stays that were planned between 14 August and 1 September can apply for financial compensation under the credit guarantee scheme for events or the supplementary compensation scheme for events. The maximum grant available under the guarantee scheme was recently increased to 100% of the incurred costs.
Government meetings on COVID-19 during the summer recess
The government is officially in recess from 9 July to 8 August 2021. However, the ministers most closely involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to meet during that time. These ministers will, in principle, meet twice a week: in-person every Monday, after which they will give a short briefing to members of the press, and via a conference call on Wednesdays. But if the situation demands it, and decisions need to be made, a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 will be called.
From 9 August, the government will go back to meeting several times a week to discuss the pandemic. On Friday 13 August, during the first cabinet meeting following the summer recess, the entire package of measures will be reassessed on the basis of the most recent information.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 23 June, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of 30 July, is as follows:
Two new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report, in Arusha. There was no work place exposure.
In total, 37 Mechanism staff member are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 34 have recovered, 2 are hospitalized and 1 has passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
THE HAGUE: New Corona virus measures in the Netherlands
The coronavirus infection rate in the Netherlands has increased much faster than expected since society reopened almost completely on 26 June. Most infections have occurred in nightlife settings and parties with high numbers of people. The increased infection rate does not currently pose a threat to vulnerable groups or the capacity of the healthcare system. However, such a high number of infectious people can be a risk for people who have not, or not yet, been fully vaccinated. The Delta variant is causing more cases of illness among people who are not fully vaccinated, and there have even been cases of this variant infecting people who are fully vaccinated or who have already had a coronavirus infection. The possibility of new virus mutations arising also raises uncertainty. And the lingering symptoms of ‘long COVID’ can also have a big impact on people’s lives.
All this gives the government cause for concern. They cannot discount the possibility that hospital admissions will again increase in the weeks ahead. They have therefore decided that extra measures are necessary this summer.
Measures as of 10 July 2021
The following measures will take effect from 06.00 on the morning of Saturday 10 July and remain in place until 13 August 2021:
Assigned seating and 1.5-metre distancing required in restaurants and bars
- Restaurants and bars may remain open provided all visitors have assigned seats that are placed 1.5 metres apart.
- All restaurants and bars must be closed from midnight until 06.00. Entertainment in the form of live performances and loud music is prohibited.
- Discos and nightclubs must close again.
- The coronavirus entry pass scheme, which granted an exemption from the 1.5 metre distancing rule, will be suspended for restaurants and bars until 13 August.
Assigned seating at events, cultural venues and sports venues
- Cultural venues may remain open provided all visitors have assigned seats that are placed 1.5 metres apart. This also applies to visitors to events and spectators at professional sports competitions and other sports and youth activities.
- Organisers may participate in the coronavirus entry pass scheme to admit greater numbers of people. In that case, everyone must still have an assigned seat and up to two-thirds of the available capacity can be used.
- As of Tuesday 13 July, coronavirus entry passes can only be generated using a negative result from a test taken up to 24 hours previously (down from 40 hours).
- Events may not last longer than 24 hours.
No changes for locations with a continuous flow of visitors
There is no change to the rules for locations with a continuous flow of visitors, such as shops, museums and funfairs. They may admit 1 visitor per 5 square metres.
Keep parties small and manageable
It's important to keep following the basic rules. A lot of activities are still possible while keeping 1.5 metres apart, including parties to celebrate a special occasion. But the government would urge everyone to use their common sense and act responsibly: keep parties small and manageable, and make sure everyone stays 1.5 metres from one another – even those who have already been vaccinated. Good hygiene is important. Wash your hands regularly. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible.
Important to read travel advice in full
Travelling to other countries is still a risk, and will remain a risk. The
increased infection rate in the Netherlands could have consequences for a
carefree holiday abroad. Other countries may impose extra measures on
Dutch tourists because they view the Netherlands’ increased infection rate
as a cause for concern.
Travellers from the Netherlands might have to travel with a Digital COVID
Certificate (DCC) that provides proof of vaccination, testing or recovery.
Or they might have to quarantine upon entering another country. Each
country can set its own requirements, so you should always check the
latest travel advice before you leave on
www.wijsopreis.nl
(available in Dutch only). Don't just look at the colour coding of your
holiday destination: read the travel advice in full. It will tell you
exactly what measures apply for your destination country and the countries
you will be passing through. Prepare well: download your Digital COVID
Certificate in the CoronaCheck app or make a printout. If you haven’t yet
been fully vaccinated, you can get a free coronavirus test before
departure.
THE HAGUE: EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) + Checklist for travel to the Netherlands
EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC)
If you would like to travel within the European Union, of if you would like to attend an event or activity in the Netherlands, you will usually have to show a negative Covid-19 test result, proof of Covid-19 vaccination or proof of recovery. You can present these using CoronaCheck app. This is also known as the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC).
For now, only one DCC issued by the Netherlands can be stored per mobile phone. The alternative (e.g., for those without their own mobile phone) is to obtain a paper version of the DCC. Those with a DigiD, may obtain a paper version of the DCC by accessing https://coronacheck.nl/nl/print. Those without a DigiD, may follow the procedure laid out below.
I. How to obtain the DCC for vaccinations received as part of the Dutch national vaccination programme (at a GGD, General Practitioner or other medical/care facility):
As of 1 July 2021, all persons who have received a Covid-19 vaccination as
part of the Dutch national vaccination programme will be able to obtain a
DCC.
Option A: CoronaCheck app (DigiD required)
After having received a vaccination in the Dutch national vaccination programme, a person will be able to generate a vaccination certificate in the “CoronaCheck app”. The app can be downloaded via the Google Play Store for Android telephones housing Android 6 and up software and the Apple App store for Apple telephones housing iOS12 and up. The following site contains additional information regarding this app: https://coronacheck.nl/en
For now, only those persons who are in possession of a DigiD (digital identification) can use the CoronaCheck app. Persons not yet in possession of a DigiD can apply for one:
- Regular citizens (registered with a municipality in the Netherlands) are referred to the following website: https://www.digid.nl/en.
-
Privileged persons registered with the Protocol and Host Country Affairs
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- EEA/EU-nationals not registered with a municipality: can register for a DigiD online: https://digid.nl/en/aanvragen_buitenland. After registration, they need to pick up an activation code at a DigiD service desk (since capacity is limited, waiting times may apply).
- Non EEA/EU-nationals: must first register with a municipality and may afterwards apply for a DigiD via the regular procedure (https://www.digid.nl/en). (Since capacity is limited here as well, waiting times may apply.)
Option B: Alternative route (no DigiD-required)
The Dutch government acknowledges that a significant group of persons may
be unwilling or unable to apply for a DigiD and that this group may
include (but is not limited to) a significant segment of the diplomatic
community. For this target group, the following procedure applies:
From 1 July 2021, persons who have been vaccinated in the Dutch national
vaccination programme but are unable/unwilling to obtain a DigiD can
contact the institution that vaccinated them, such as their General
Practitioner or the GGD, for a paper version of the DCC. Persons who have
been vaccinated in the Netherlands and who are not in possession of a
Citizen Service Number (BSN) may follow the same procedure. An example of
the paper certificate is included in the attached Annex I.
Staff without a DigiD are advised that they may call the GGD Haaglanden at
0800-5090 in order to request a paper version of the DCC.
In the course of July 2021, the CoronaCheck app will be updated to enable
the uploading of the QR code contained on the paper version of the DCC
into the app, so that a person can generate a digital DCC (i.e., on their
mobile) if they wish.
II. How to obtain the DCC for vaccinations received outside the
framework of the Dutch national vaccination programme:
Option A: Vaccinations administered by competent authorities in another
EU member state
Persons are invited to contact their vaccination provider within the EU
member state concerned to obtain a DCC.
Option B: Vaccinations administered in a third (non-EU) country
Persons who live in the Netherlands who have been vaccinated with an EMA-
or WHO approved vaccine in a third (non-EU) country and are able to
demonstrate a certified vaccination certificate from their vaccination
provider will be able to obtain a DCC in the Netherlands. The Ministry of
Health, Welfare and Sports is currently developing a dedicated procedure
for this, together with its implementing partners. Staff will be informed
as soon as more information is available.
III. How to obtain the DCC for following a Covid-19 test or recovery
from Covid-19
Persons who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 can alternatively generate a certificate demonstrating that they have either tested negative for COVID-19 within a specific timeframe, or have recovered from Covid-19 within a specific timeframe. Both certificates will also serve as DCC. The certificate can be generated in the CoronaCheck app (DigiD required) or may be obtained via an alternative route (see below).
Option A: Tested negative for Covid-19
As of 1 July 2021, all persons can make an appointment with one of the designated test facilities listed on the website www.testenvoorjereis.nl. A test is also possible without a DigiD with one of the designated commercial test facilities. Alternatively, testing is possible through the GGD (only with DigiD). In either case, tests are administered free of charge in July and August 2021.
Option B: Recently recovered from Covid-19
Persons must demonstrate a positive result from a PCR test conducted at a
GGD at a minimum of 12 days and a maximum of 180 days ago. The positive
test result may be uploaded in the CoronaCheck app. Persons who do not
have a DigiD are invited to contact+31 247 247 247 to obtain a paper
certificate. A recovery certificate is only accepted if the traveler has
received the certificate from health authorities from an EU-country. For
now, only PCR tests administered at a GGD are issued as recovery
certificates.
Additional information about the DCC
• Detailed information and FAQ’s about the DCC in Dutch: www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/coronabewijs/coronabewijs-voor-reizen.
• Information about the DCC in English: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/plan-to-reopen-society/conditions-for-entering-the-netherlands.
• FAQ’s about the DCC in English:
https://coronacheck.nl/en/faq
Update on travel to the Netherlands
Information about the applicable entry restrictions for travel to the
Netherlands in English:
https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist-entry
Starting 1 July 2021 the Dutch authorities will allow third country
nationals who have been fully vaccinated to travel to the Netherlands
(unless they are travelling from a country that has been designated as a
very high-risk area due to the presence of a variant of concern). These
travelers will have to demonstrate a signed vaccine declaration as well as
a foreign Covid-19 vaccination certificate that meets a number of
requirements. The list of requirements is included in the attached Annex
II.
Message from the Principals on return to working on premises
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past months there have been a series of positive developments in relation to the pandemic and our offices. In line with the strategic objective of the Mechanism to safely return to full in-office work as soon as possible, the Principals have agreed to set Wednesday, 1 September 2021 as the target date for the resumption of full in-office work for staff at all duty stations.
The health and safety of staff members remains a priority. Most of the health and safety measures adopted to address the pandemic at our premises will therefore remain in place after the return.
We wanted to communicate this decision to all staff as early as possible, so that you, both as individual staff members and as team members, have ample time to discuss and prepare. We also want to ensure that staff members who may have serious underlying conditions or other individual issues that prevent them from returning to work in the office have ample time to find solutions with their managers.
In giving such early notice we are of course also aware that it will be necessary to continue to monitor the development of the pandemic, and we have already taken note of recent developments in Rwanda in this regard. Should it become necessary, we will adjust the return date or take any other measures that are required.
Best regards,
Carmel Agius, President
Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor
Abubacarr Tambadou, Registrar
New Policy on Access to Mechanism Premises for Travelers
Kindly find attached the revised Mechanism policy on "Access to Mechanism Premises for Travelers" as approved by our Principals. This policy balances the Mechanism’s important operational requirements as a judicial institution with appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of Mechanism staff, judges, accused, witnesses and other stakeholders.
Travel, in particular by airplane, has turned out to be not associated with an increased risk of infection that was feared when the original policy was adopted. Further, risk mitigation in the form of systematic testing requirements and mask requirements has since been implemented. Moreover, immunity following vaccination and infection (at least for many months in the vast majority of cases) is leaving many Mechanism travelers at a lower risk of infection.
In summary and with the text of the policy itself being authoritative, key elements of the policy include:
Mechanism Persons who travel to a duty station from another country may not enter Mechanism premises for 10 days unless they:
- (a) obtained a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarded the airplane, train, bus or private car transporting them to the duty station country;
- (b) have completed full course of vaccination with a vaccine approved by WHO at least 14 days before and no more than 180 days prior to travelling; or
- (c) have been tested positive for COVID-19 at least 14 days before and no more than 180 days prior to travelling; and
- (d) have complied with mandatory quarantine requirements under the laws of the duty station applicable to travellers who do not have diplomatic or other special status.
Chambers, Judges or the Principals of each organ may determine that operational requirements necessitate the presence in Mechanism premises of a traveler from orange or red countries at a time earlier than fourteen days following such travel. In such circumstances, additional measures to mitigate any risk (e.g. face masks, testing) may be required, and the decision must be documented and shared with the Medical Unit.
Further, all are reminded that access to Mechanism premises is prohibited to persons who test positive or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 2 June, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of 23 June, is as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection has been recorded amongst Mechanism
staff since the last report, in the Kigali Field Office. There was no work
place exposure.
In total, 35 Mechanism staff member are or have been confirmed infected,
of which currently 32 have recovered, 2 are recuperating and 1 has passed
away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data attached.
THE HAGUE - Retro-active COVID-19 vaccination stamp in your yellow booklet
Hague-based individuals who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course prior to when the municipal health services (GGD) started stamping yellow booklets may get their yellow booklets stamped retro-actively at one of the following GGD locations:
- Haga Ziekenhuis (former Red Cross Hospital), Sportlaan 600, The Hague. Opening hours: 9am-5pm
- Cars Jeans Stadium, Haags Kwartier 55, The Hague. Opening hours: 8am-8pm
- Soccer club Delfia, Mozartlaan 664, Delft. Opening hours: 9am-5pm
This is a drive-up/drive-through service, there is no need to register. You will need to bring an identification document, the print-out you received upon vaccination, and of course your yellow booklet. Note that this retro-active service is available only through June 20th.
For more information please see https://www.ggdhaaglanden.nl/artikel/coronavaccin-vanaf-maandag-7-juni-in-het-gele-boekje-.htm (in Dutch only).
Individuals who haven't yet completed their vaccinations, should be able to get a stamp in their yellow booklet upon request at the time of vaccination.
THE HAGUE - Update on COVID-19 vaccinations in the Netherlands
To date, approx. 12.2 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the Netherlands. As you know, the Dutch vaccination programme generally prioritized by age, inviting people to get their shot from old to young based on year of birth. On Friday last week, the birth year of our youngest Hague-based staff members was called. This means that all Hague-based staff members are now able to schedule their vaccination appointment. Getting vaccinated is voluntary and free of charge. If you haven't yet been vaccinated nor have made an appointment thereto, you are strongly encouraged to call the RIVM at 0800-7070 to make an appointment.
Message from the Principals - next steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Dear colleagues,
For the last fourteen months, the Mechanism has addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by taking a range of necessary actions to both protect health and safety while ensuring business continuity. One of the most significant measures has been our current mixed working posture. Many staff have been working remotely from home since the outbreak of the pandemic. At the same time, the Mechanism has implemented improvements at its premises to enable staff to work in the office in a safe manner.
As a temporary measure, this mixed working posture has been successful in limiting the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus among Mechanism staff. To-date, there has been no evidence of an incidence of transmission within Mechanism premises, even with trial proceedings being held at both branches, the increased return of staff to in-office working and the presence of contractors on premises. Our experience has demonstrated the value of the measures that have been put in place to make the premises safe, and provides a foundation for the further transition back from remote to in-office working.
At our direction, the Mechanism has now commenced planning for the next phase of our response to the pandemic. The aim is to return to full in-office working at all duty stations as soon as possible while continuing to manage health and safety risks. To this end the COVID-19 Steering Committee has prepared a strategic plan to guide further preparations and inform further decision-making. At present, the CSC is overseeing a number of preliminary steps that will be completed in the coming month, at which time further decisions on the way forward will be made. Staff will be kept informed of developments. It is important to emphasize that the return to full in-office working is distinct from flexible working arrangements that may be available in the future at the Mechanism.
As a first step in this process, and having confirmed the measures in place to protect health and safety, we have decided that the maximum occupancy in the premises at all duty stations will be increased to 66% effective today, Monday, 14 June.
In setting this strategic objective, we have taken into account the rationales that led the Mechanism to move to a mixed working posture. At all duty stations, medical systems, including medivac, are operating well within their capacities, while clinical treatments for COVID-19 infection are both more-widely available and improving. National governments at our duty stations are moving to relax, rather than tighten, restrictions. The spread of COVID-19 is being increasingly brought under control. Accordingly, while further developments will be carefully monitored, and planning remains in place for reversals in current trends, the time is right for the Mechanism to look to updating its policies and responses.
We have not embarked on the process of returning to in-office working lightly. It is fully understood that some staff may welcome a return to the office, while others will have concerns. As it has throughout the last fourteen months, the Mechanism will continue to carefully evaluate risks and balance the achievement of our important mandate with reasonable measures to protect health. The views of staff will continue to be given due consideration, and decisions will continue to be transparently communicated. Just as together we as a community responded to the outbreak of the pandemic, we will together navigate the transition back.
Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the Mechanism’s important work.
Recording completed COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccination programs are gathering steam in most of our duty stations. We encourage everyone to be vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, as it will be the best way to protect yourself, your family, your work colleagues and your community.
While the vaccine is not mandatory, it is likely to have a great deal of
importance for many countries over the next few years and for managing the
response to the pandemic. Knowing how many staff members are vaccinated
will be important for preparing a return to the offices and ensuring a
safe and healthy workplace.
Where the vaccine is delivered by UN clinics, this will be documented
directly in your medical record (EarthMed).
For those who receive the vaccine through local or national vaccination campaigns, the Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) has established a self-reporting capability in the EarthMed Portal. This is a secure, confidential way of submitting information directly into your medical record.
Once you have completed all doses of the vaccine (most vaccines have a 2-dose schedule), simply:
- Go to the EarthMed Portal - medical.un.org – and select the United Nations icon
- Select the questionnaire ‘COVID-19 Vaccination Self Reporting’
- Select the name of the vaccine you received and the date you received your final dose
- Upload your record of having completed the full vaccine course
You will receive a confirmatory email and the vaccine will be recorded in your medical file. As such, it is subject to all confidentiality provisions that apply to medical records.
At present the EarthMed Portal is open only for staff members, not for
dependents.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccines is available on the
UN website and on the iSeek page on COVID-19 response at the UN.
For further advice on COVID-19 vaccination self-reporting, contact the Occupational Safety and Health team of DHMOSH at OSH@un.org.
Don’t just get vaccinated – have it recorded!
THE HAGUE - Update on Dutch quarantine measures after travel
As of 1 June, the Netherlands implemented a mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving from very high risk countries. This mandatory quarantine is for a period of 10 days from arrival, but can be curtailed with a negative PCR test taken on or after day 5. It applies to all modes of transportation and also applies to travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Persons who violate the requirement can be fined €339.
The list of very high risk countries is subject to change. Currently, it covers Argentina, Bahrein, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Lithuania, Maldives, India, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Seychelles South-Africa, Surinam, Sweden, Uruguay and Venezuela. This list and many other details can be found here: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/self-quarantine/mandatory-quarantine.
Certain exemptions apply. These include people who have diplomatic passports, invitees and staff of International Organizations (including the Mechanism), and MFA card holders, when travelling in official capacity. A full list of exemptions can be found here: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/self-quarantine/exceptions-mandatory-quarantine. Note that these exemptions do not, in and of themselves, allow for post-travel access onto Mechanism premises.
All travelers from very high-risk areas must carry a quarantine declaration form (attached). This includes travelers who are exempt from the mandatory quarantine period. In the declaration, they must state which exemption category applies. Upon request, they must demonstrate the completed declaration together with the document proving their exemption. Persons who do not carry a quarantine declaration with them may be fined €95. The mandatory quarantine replaced the passenger flight ban from South America, South Africa and India, which has now been lifted. Please note that the EU travel ban remains in effect.
For travelers coming from high risk countries, the strong advisory to quarantine for ten days remains in effect, which can also be curtailed with a negative test on or after day five. A high risk country is any country that is neither a very high risk country or on the list of safe countries, which can be found here: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/eu-list-of-safe-countries.
Testing requirements have also changed. Travelers coming from both very high risk and high risk countries must have taken a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival in the Netherlands. Only travelers coming from an extremely high risk with a “variant of concern ”are also to provide a rapid test collected no more than 24 hours prior to boarding. Currently the latter applies to travelers from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, India, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Seychelles, Surinam, Uruguay, Venezuela, and South-Africa.
The existing exemptions to the negative COVID-19 test requirements continue to apply. Please consult the provided links and the attached note verbale prior to and during travel.
Annex I - Instructions on traveling and quarantine [.pdf]
THE HAGUE - Relaxation of Dutch COVID-19 measures
Due to a sustained decrease in the number of new daily infections and hospitalizations, Dutch authorities have decided to slightly advance the next stage (stage 3) of the roadmap to normalization, from 9 to 5 June. New relaxations of COVID-19 measures, as of Saturday 5 June, include the following:
- Number of visitors at home increases from 2 to 4;
- Group size outdoors increases from 2 to 4;
- Cultural, art, recreation and amusement venues may reopen their indoor areas, with restrictions;
- Children up to age 17 may play sports competition matches again, without spectators. Adults may play matches within their own club only;
- Sport club houses, saunas, pools, etc. may reopen;
- Indoor restaurants, cafes and bars may reopen, from 6am-10pm;
- Shops may again determine their own opening times
In addition, a 'corona virus entry pass' will be introduced. In this system, a negative test allows for entry into a large venue or event. Venues such as theatres or restaurants that do not use the system can host a maximum of 50 people. If they opt to use the system, they can host as many people as they can accommodate if people are 1.5 metres from one another while seated.
Further details on all these measures can be found here:
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 6 May, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The current update, with data as of 2 June, is as follows:
Two new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism
staff since the last report: One in The Hague, with possible work place
exposure.
Appropriate action is being taken accordingly. The second case concerns an Arusha staff member, while outside of the duty station and hence there is no workplace exposure in relation to this case. In total, 34 Mechanism staff member are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 31 have recovered, 2 are recuperating and 1 has passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Wellness Wednesday (a few days late) - What Chronic Stress Is Doing to Us
Dear Colleagues,
Through the pandemic, due to working from home and other issues, many of us have seen a blurring of the normal work/life boundaries. It has become harder, in some ways, to turn off work at the end of the day, especially if you have had to have flexible schedules within your households to accommodate home schooling and work meetings for everyone. Also, many of us have not taken time off to completely shut off through annual leave days because we were not able to travel to see our friends and families, as in normal times. Some may feel on the edge of burnout and may be feeling that they are alone in this.
In the coming months, it is so important that each of us take time off and allow ourselves to recharge. This is true even for those who may still not be able to travel to your home countries. Turning off email and being able to turn off video meetings, for even just a short time, is so important for recovery.
Below are some stories that explain the science behind what many of us are feeling and confirm that you are not alone.
This is your brain on pandemic: What chronic stress is doing to
us
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/pandemic-brain-stress-effect-lethargy-unproductive-1.5972055
We Have All Hit a Wall
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/03/business/pandemic-burnout-productivity.html?referringSource=articleShare
Below is a press release from WHO and ILO, based on recent studies:
Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke:
WHO, ILO
17 May 2021
Joint News Release
Geneva
Long working hours led to 745 000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016, a 29 per cent increase since 2000, according to the latest estimates by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization published in Environment International today.
In a first global analysis of the loss of life and health associated with working long hours, WHO and ILO estimate that, in 2016, 398 000 people died from stroke and 347 000 from heart disease as a result of having worked at least 55 hours a week. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%.
This work-related disease burden is particularly significant in men (72% of deaths occurred among males), people living in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions, and middle-aged or older workers. Most of the deaths recorded were among people dying aged 60-79 years, who had worked for 55 hours or more per week between the ages of 45 and 74 years.
With working long hours now known to be responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease, it is established as the risk factor with the largest occupational disease burden. This shifts thinking towards a relatively new and more psychosocial occupational risk factor to human health.
The study concludes that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week.
Further, the number of people working long hours is increasing, and currently stands at 9% of the total population globally. This trend puts even more people at risk of work-related disability and early death.
The new analysis comes as the COVID-19 pandemic shines a spotlight on managing working hours; the pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the way many people work,“ said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Teleworking has become the norm in many industries, often blurring the boundaries between home and work. In addition, many businesses have been forced to scale back or shut down operations to save money, and people who are still on the payroll end up working longer hours. No job is worth the risk of stroke or heart disease. Governments, employers and workers need to work together to agree on limits to protect the health of workers.”
“Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard,” added Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, at the World Health Organization. “It’s time that we all, governments, employers, and employees wake up to the fact that long working hours can lead to premature death”.
Governments, employers and workers can take the following actions to protect workers’ health:
- governments can introduce, implement and enforce laws, regulations and policies that ban mandatory overtime and ensure maximum limits on working time;
- bipartite or collective bargaining agreements between employers and workers’ associations can arrange working time to be more flexible, while at the same time agreeing on a maximum number of working hours;
-
employees could share working hours to ensure that numbers of hours
worked do not climb above 55 or more per week.
Note for editors: Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the latest evidence were conducted for this study. Data from 37 studies on ischemic heart disease covering more than 768 000 participants and 22 studies on stroke covering more than 839 000 participants were synthesized. The study covered global, regional and national levels, and was based on data from more than 2300 surveys collected in 154 countries from 1970-2018.
THE HAGUE - Update on COVID-19 vaccinations in the Netherlands
To date, some 9.2 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in the Netherlands.
- Those born in 1970 and before (with the exception of those born in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960) should have received the invitation letter for their COVID-19 vaccination from the RIVM. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. To make an appointment by phone, please call the phone number provided in the invitation letter.
- Those born in 1971 through 1980 may make their appointment for their COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. Those who wish to make their appointment by phone must await receipt of the RIVM invitation letter and call the phone number mentioned therein. These invitation letters are being sent out this week.
- Persons born in 1961 or after falling in the medical risk category, as designated by their GP, should have received the invitation from the RIVM in mid May.
- Those born in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 should have received an invitation from their GP for a COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at the GP's office or location designated by the GP.
- Children are not currently being vaccinated for COVID-19, with the exception of a limited group of medical high-risk children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Further information on the Covid-19 vaccination programme is available
through this website:
https://www.rivm.nl/en/covid-19-vaccination
THE HAGUE - Update on COVID-19 vaccinations in the Netherlands
To date, some 8.5 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in the Netherlands.
- Those born in 1968 and before (with the exception of those born in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960) should have received the invitation letter for their COVID-19 vaccination from the RIVM. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. To make an appointment by phone, please refer to the phone number provided in the invitation letter.
- Those born in 1969 and 1970 may make their appointment for their COVID-19 vaccination as of today. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. Note: The RIVM will send out invitation letters starting Thursday this week. Those who wish to make their appointment by phone must await receipt of the RIVM invitation letter and call the phone number mentioned therein. Alternatively, they may already book their appointment online using their DigiD, if available.
- Persons born in 1961 or after falling in the medical risk category, as designated by their GP, should have received the invitation from the RIVM last week, although around 170,000 invitations are still being sent out this week.
- Those born in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 should have received an invitation from their GP for a COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at the GP's office or location designated by the GP.
- Children are not currently being vaccinated for COVID-19, with the exception of a limited group of medical high-risk children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Further information on the Covid-19 vaccination programme is available
through this website:
https://www.rivm.nl/en/covid-19-vaccination
THE HAGUE - Modification of Dutch COVID-19 measures
While the COVID-19 infection rate in the Netherlands remains one of the highest in Europe and caution therefore continues to be required, due a recent reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Dutch authorities have allowed the following relaxation of COVID-19 measures, as of today:
- Outdoor places of leisure and entertainment (e.g. zoos, amusement parks) may re-open, with conditions;
- Gyms and pools may re-open, with conditions;
- Adults may play team sports outdoors;
- Outdoor terraces allowable opening hours are extended to 6am - 8pm;
- All contact professions are again allowed;
- Dance, theatre and music lessons are allowed in small groups.
Details can be found here: https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2021/05/17/second-step-of-reopening-plan-confirmed
There are furthermore a number of modifications related to international travel:
* Since last week, differentiation is applied in the color coding of countries, with green and yellow now again used (albeit for a small number of countries only, for now). Travellers coming from 'green' or 'yellow' countries need not quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate. Color coding may change frequently. Please check the website prior to and during travel. https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/reizen/reisadviezen
* The flight ban from India, South Africa, and South and Central America has been extended until 1 June. A few exemption categories have been established for compelling family matters. Dutch nationals and residents (including MFA card holders) are also exempt. Details can be found here: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/dutch-flight-ban-and-docking-ban
* The EU travel ban remains in place. However, the definition of a number of existing exemption categories has been expanded. As a result, a broader range of passengers is now eligible for an exemption to the EU Entry Ban, subject to conditions. Details can be found here: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/exemptions-to-the-entry-ban
* Israel has been added to the EU safe countries list. See: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/eu-list-of-safe-countries
THE HAGUE - Update on COVID-19 vaccination status in the Netherlands
To date, some 7.3 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in the Netherlands.
- Those born in 1962 and before (with the exception of those born in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960) should have received the invitation letter for their COVID-19 vaccination from the RIVM. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. To make an appointment by phone, please refer to the phone number provided in the invitation letter.
- Those born in 1963 and 1964 may make their appointment for their COVID-19 vaccination as of today. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. Note: The RIVM will send out invitation letters this week. Those born in 1963 or 1964 who wish to make their appointment by phone must await receipt of the RIVM invitation letter in the next few days and call the phone number mentioned therein. Alternatively, they may already book their appointment online using their DigiD, if available.
- Persons born in 1961 or before falling in the medical risk category, as designated by the GP, should have received the invitation from the RIVM last week although a few invitations are still being sent out.
- Those born in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 should have received an invitation from their GP for a COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at the GP's office or location designated by the GP.
- Children are not currently being vaccinated for COVID-19, with the exception of a limited group of medical high-risk children born in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Further information on the Covid-19 vaccination programme is available through this website:
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
Two weeks ago, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 29 April, is as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection was recorded amongst Hague-based Mechanism staff since the last report, with no exposure to other staff. In total, 32 Mechanism staff member are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 30 have recovered, 1 is recuperating and 1 has passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data attached.
THE HAGUE - Update on Covid-19 vaccination in the Netherlands
The Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the Netherlands is well underway, with persons born in 1960 or before already invited for a vaccination.
- Those born in 1954 and before should already have received the invitation letter from the RIVM. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted.
- Those born in 1955 may make their appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. Note: The RIVM will send out invitation letters to those born in 1955 this week. Those born in 1955 who wish to make their appointment by phone must await receipt of the RIVM invitation letter but may already book their appointment online using their DigiD, if available.
- Those born in 1956-1960 should already have received an invitation from their GP for a Covid-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at the GP's office or location designated by the GP.
- Those born in 1961 may make their appointment for their Covid-19 vaccination. The vaccination will be done at a GGD vaccination location. Online booking of the appointment using the DigiD is recommended as waiting times for the GGD call center can be protracted. Note: The RIVM will send out invitation letters to those born in 1961 next week. Those born in 1961 who wish to make their appointment by phone must await receipt of the RIVM invitation letter but may already book their appointment online using their DigiD, if available.
Online appointments for Covid-19 vaccination at a GGD location can be made through the website: coronatest.nl
If you have not received your invitation from the RIVM as per the above schedule, you may contact the VEU (email IRMCT-VEU) to verify your registration with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please indicate your current address when emailing the VEU.
Further online information is available using this link:
https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/dutch-vaccination-programme
Approved number of Uncertified Sick Leave for the cycle 2021-2022
Last year, in light of the spread of COVID-19, an exception to staff
rule 6.2 (c) was approved and the maximum number of uncertified sick
leave days was increased from seven to 14 days for the cycle 1 April
2020-31 March 2021. This exception was meant to relieve the pressure on
health care providers by not requiring staff to go to hospitals and
doctors’ offices for mild symptoms that did not require medical
treatment.
Although signs of improvements are starting to show in some duty
stations and access to telehealth has become more widely available,
COVID-19 is still here, and some degree of flexibility remains needed.
In this context, a new exception to staff rule 6.2 (c) is approved for the cycle 1 April 2021-31 March 2022, whereby Secretariat staff members are granted an additional three days (instead of an additional seven) of uncertified sick leave for COVID-19 related absence, under the following conditions:
1. The total of up to 10 uncertified sick leave days applies to the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 only;
2. The full 10 days of uncertified sick leave can be used consecutively, if needed;
3. There is no increase in the applicable overall sick leave entitlement. If used, the uncertified sick leave days will be deducted from the applicable overall sick leave entitlement.
The exception will be reflected in Umoja automatically and requires no action from staff or HR/Business partners.
Office of Human Resources
Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC)
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Friday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 22 April, is as follows:
No new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report. In total, 31 Mechanism staff member are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 29 have recovered, 1 is recuperating and 1 has passed away.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Friday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 15 April, is as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection has been recorded amongst Mechanism staff in the Arusha branch since the last report. There has been no workplace exposure in relation to this case. In total, 31 Mechanism staff member are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 29 have recovered, 1 is recuperating and 1 has passed away.
In addition, one Hague-based non-staff Mechanism person has tested positive. In Arusha, one non-staff Mechanism person was asked to return for re-testing in a weeks-time without being provided with their current test results. There has been no workplace exposure in relation to either case.
Please find attached a graphical presentation of the data.
Update on the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in the UN's vaccination programme
Please find attached a memorandum from the Department of Operational Support (the department responsible for the UN vaccination efforts) which explains the UN’s assessment that the concrete risks which come from contracting COVID-19 outweigh the rare risks associated with vaccine-induced VIPIT. The UN, therefore, will continue to use the AstraZeneca vaccine while mitigating the risks through staff communication, explicit informed patient consent, specific guidance to UN medical practitioners and the preparation of UN Clinics to recognise and manage VIPIT should it occur.
The following documents are annexed to the memorandum
- WHO statement on the AstraZeneca vaccine, 7 April 2021
- Staff FAQ on the AstraZeneva vaccine, regularly updated
- Interim guidelines for the diagnosis and management of VIPIT following AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations, 12 April 2021
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On 24 March, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 8 April, is as follows:
Two new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff of the Hague branch since the last report. There was no workplace exposure in relation to these cases. In total, 30 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 28 have recovered, 1 is recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Wellness Wednesday
Wellness can be defined as “The active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health”. In laymen terms, it is a state of being in good physical and mental health. It is multi-dimensional:
- Emotional – Coping with life and creating satisfying relationships, understanding feelings, relaxation.
- Financial – satisfaction with current and future financial situations. Money is an essential part of our lives, having enough in the present and future impacts our daily lives.
- Social – developing a sense of connection, belonging and a well-developed support system, being able to have intimate relationships.
- Spiritual – A sense of purpose and meaning in life.
- Occupational – work satisfaction. Work that provides satisfaction and is enjoyable is imperative for a richer and more satisfied life.
- Environmental – maintaining good health, occupying pleasant and environment.
- Intellectual – Finding ways to expand knowledge and skills.
- Physical – maintaining a physical activity, diet, sleep and nutrition.
Having a healthy and emotionally rewarding connection to our colleagues and ensuring a workplace that is free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination is fundamental to wellness in each of us. As part of this, we all have a role to play in creating an environment in which each person is treated with dignity and respect and where each of us are aware of our role in maintaining a workplace free of any form of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority, and being mindful of our role in the prevention of such behaviour.
The Mechanism has a number of Focal Points who are working towards ensuring a harmonious, inclusive, and safe work environment for all:
The contact details for each of the Focal Points are available on the Mechanism Focal Points Page on Tribunet. Please reach out to any of the Focal Points if you have any questions or concerns about these issues. Through the year, the Mechanism will be highlighting efforts to ensure we are all supporting each other.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Friday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 24 March, is as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection has been recorded amongst Mechanism staff of the Hague branch since the last report. There was no workplace exposure in relation to this case.
In total, 28 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 24 have recovered, 3 are recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
In addition, a non-staff person involved in judicial proceedings in Arusha was medically evacuated with suspected COVID-19. We wish the individual a speedy recovery. This was the 4th COVID-19 medical evacuation executed from Arusha. This case involved possible workplace exposure, with contact tracing and precautionary quarantines implemented in accordance with our "what to do if..." scenario policy document.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Wellness Wednesday
Dear Colleagues,
Here are some resources that might be of interest to you this week:
How to Create Psychological Safety At Work
Amy Edmondson has done a lot of the leading research in this area.
Here is a
very good interview
based on COVID times and remote - digital working arrangements
See also her Ted Talk on the topic.
Staff Counselling Office Training Courses and Activities for March
and April
The Staff Counsellor’s Office is offering a series of online workshops
& activities aimed at addressing the psychosocial aspects of the
current pandemic. Please see our course lists in the attachment (for NYC
TIME ZONE).
NEW YORK TIME ZONE Online Training Courses: All courses take place LIVE at: 9:00 am-10:30 am – New York City time zone. Each course has a separate registration link in the attachment. (Please check your spam folder as sometimes the e-mail may be directed there.) After registration you will receive an email from: SCO HQ no-reply@zoom.us - with the link to the session. (iSeek link)
Additional Resources on iSeek
VIDEO | iSeek Live: UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
On 18 March 2021, iSeek Live hosted an information session on the UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.Host Helga Leifsdóttir, Chief of Knowledge Solutions and Design in the Department of Global Communications, was joined by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Christian Saunders, Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, and Dr. Bernhard Lennartz, Acting Director of the Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health.They discussed how the UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme works, eligibility and access, as well as the efforts currently underway to counter misinformation on vaccines.
Watch the recording on UN Web TVCOVID-19 information and resources are available on iSeek and the United Nations website. Find answers to your questions in the COVID-19 FAQs.
Join us on 18 March for iSeek Live: UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
On 18 March, we will hold an information session on the UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and how it applies to UN personnel and other eligible individuals.
Host Helga Leifsdóttir, Chief of Knowledge Solutions and Design in the Department of Global Communications, will be joined by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Christian Saunders, Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, and Dr. Bernhard Lennartz, Acting Director of the Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health.
We will discuss how the UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme works, eligibility and access, as well as the efforts currently underway and communication about vaccinations.
UN personnel will have access to COVID-19 vaccinations in one of two ways: through their host country’s national vaccination programme or through the UN System-wide Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.
COVID-19 information and resources are available on iSeek and the United Nations website. Find answers to your questions in the COVID-19 FAQs. Please post any other relevant questions or concerns in the meeting chat before and during the session and our guests will be happy to address them.
What: iSeek Live: UN System-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
When: 18 March at 9 am (New York time)
Where: Everywhere via Microsoft Teams Live
How: Join by following the instructions below.
Who: All staff from the UN Secretariat and agencies, funds and programmes.
To join the online meeting via Microsoft Teams Live:
- Download the Windows app or watch on the web. If you have already downloaded the app, click on "Open Microsoft Teams".
- If prompted to do so, sign in using your Microsoft Office credentials.
If you would like to join by mobile, we recommend you download the Microsoft Teams app to your phone or device. More information on attending a live event in Teams.
Stay safe and be well.
The iSeek Team
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 12 March, is as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff of the Hague branch since the last report. No workplace exposure occurred.
In total, 27 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed infected, of which currently 24 have recovered, 2 are recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
COVID-19 vaccination update
Please find below and attached a briefing note on the current status of COVID-19 vaccination efforts. This note addresses the UN's preparations to deploy vaccines to its staff and eligible dependents and how priorities therein are set, and provides an update on the status of national vaccination campaigns in our four duty stations. The note further includes a number of links to informative websites. Attached to the note are four related UN documents (Vaccination Framework Document; Vaccination FAQ; UN COVID-19 Country Prioritization Model; and UN COVID-19 Vaccine Occupational Risk Groups Prioritization) as well as a courtesy translation of the RIVM vaccination invitation letter, of relevance to staff based in the Netherlands.
Update on COVID-19 vaccinations – broadcast to all IRMCT staff
8 March 2021As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect countries and communities around the world, vaccination offers hope that the pandemic will abate and restrictions can begin to be relaxes. The UN is keenly interested in ensuring that its staff and their eligible dependents have access to vaccines, and the Secretary-General has requested its Member States to include UN personnel serving within their borders in their respective national vaccination campaigns. Where this is not possible, the UN is taking a coordinated approach to facilitating access to vaccines. With vaccine becoming available, even if still in short supply, work has progressed well to ensure readiness for eventual UN vaccination.
UN Vaccination efforts
To aid the UN System-wide COVID-19 vaccination effort, a Vaccine Deployment Working Group has been established. Please find attached the Vaccination Framework Document, which captures the purpose, scope and a high-level overview of the vaccination effort. In addition, please note the Vaccination FAQ, attached here as well. You are strongly encouraged to read these documents, as they contain answers to questions you might have. Both documents are available on a dedicated vaccination page on iSeek, https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/vaccination.
Answers to specific questions about time between vaccine dosages and types of vaccines can be found in this instructional WHO “science in 5” video: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-26---vaccine-dosage
The Vaccine Development Working Group is developing a comprehensive vaccine deployment roadmap, taking into account Member State responses to the Secretary-General’s request that UN personnel serving within their borders be included in their respective national vaccination campaigns, where possible. The Working Group has finalized its initial list of priority countries, with the intention to deliver a limited number of UN-sourced vaccine doses to select high-priority countries as early as the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter this year. Priority is assigned on the basis of a number of parameters, being access to local healthcare, the DSS security level, UN medevac rate, ISCS mobility and hardship level, UN case rate, and the country’s human development index score. Please see the attached UN COVID-19 Country Prioritization Model for more information. The Working Group has confirmed that eventually staff and dependents in all countries will be addressed, and that actual allotment is dependent not just on priority but also on ability to receive and distribute locally.
In addition, vaccines will be prioritized on the basis of risks posed by occupational group, as per the attached UN COVID-19 Vaccine Occupational Risk Groups Prioritization.
Critical to the success of the vaccination effort will be the setup of cross-functional vaccine deployment teams at the country level, led by Local Vaccine Deployment Coordinators. In the case of Tanzania, this role has been assigned to UNICEF. The Local Vaccine Deployment Coordinators will be responsible for the rollout of the vaccination campaign and administration of vaccines to eligible recipients across all UN entities within their respective Country Teams. Necessary guidance and support will be provided by the Vaccine Deployment Working Group at all stages of the effort.
Update on vaccination efforts in Mechanism duty stations
Tanzania
No government vaccination campaign is envisaged in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Tanzania is also not part of the initial list of prioritized countries established by the UN’s Vaccine Deployment Working Group. In view of the specific situation in Tanzania however, the Resident Coordinator continues to lobby the UNHQ Working Group for inclusion of Tanzania on the list of priority countries. No specific timeline has yet been provided with regard to availability of vaccines through this UN effort in Tanzania. The UNCT is organizing a webinar on this topic on 16 March.
Rwanda
Rwanda has acquired vaccines through international partnerships and the African Union's medical supplies platform, and has received its first delivery through COVAX[1]. Rwanda commenced vaccinating on 14 February 2021 and has a vaccination plan ready, with infrastructure, protocols and personnel in place, and reports that 210,000 people have received vaccines. Rwanda is including diplomats in its national vaccination programme but hasn’t yet confirmed whether UN staff and dependents will be included. No specific timeline has yet been provided with regard to availability of vaccines for UN staff and dependents in Rwanda. The UN Country Team is collecting UN staff members', and dependents' data. This will enable more focused interaction with Rwandan authorities regarding the timing and prioritization of vaccination of UN personnel.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has acquired more than 1.2 million doses through COVAX and a further 892,000 doses in cooperation with the European Union's (EU) vaccine program. Delivery of these vaccines is expected to take place by the end of March. The UN Country Team in FBiH is closely monitoring developments. While FBiH has indicated a willingness to include UN Personnel and their dependents in its vaccination's programs and requested the lists of UN personnel for prioritized vaccinations based on WHO instructions, the country hasn’t yet formally responded positively to the SG’s request to include UN staff and dependents. Timelines for vaccination of UN staff and dependents are not available at this stage.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands commenced its vaccination campaign in early January 2021 and has so far given approximately 1,600,000 doses according to a national schedule which prioritizes vulnerable groups and medical professionals. Dutch authorities have repeatedly confirmed that staff of International Organizations and their dependents will be included in the national vaccination efforts. Staff are therefore very strongly encouraged to ensure their contact details are up to date with the Visa and Entitlement Unit, and to be registered with a General Practitioner (“huisarts”).
The current timeline indicates that vaccination of people under the age of 60 who do not fall in a specific risk category will commence around May of this year, from old to young. Pending delivery of vaccines, the Government anticipates that all adults who wish to be vaccinated can receive at least their first shot by July this year. Please see this link for further details about the order of vaccination in the Netherlands: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/dutch-vaccination-programme/order-of-vaccination-against-coronavirus.
Once a person has received a personalized invitation letter from the RIVM to be vaccinated they can make an appointment online (with DigiD only), or by telephone. Invitation letters are written in Dutch only. The Ministry has therefore provided the attached courtesy English translation of the standard letter. To the RIVM letter, a number of annexes - including a health screening form - will be attached. These annexes are currently only available in Dutch. The Ministry will strive to make translated documents available.
Cost of COVID-19 vaccinations
Vaccinations offered through national vaccination campaigns may, depending on the policies of the country concerned, be free of charge. This will be the case, for example, in the Netherlands. Where vaccines will be provided by the UN, these will be free of charge as well. Cigna has confirmed that if vaccines that are recommended by the local health authorities and/or the WHO cannot be obtained free of charge as part of local government health systems, the UN Worldwide Plan and the UN Medical Insurance Plan will fully cover COVID-19 vaccination.
We will keep you informed of any developments.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 10 February, is as follows:
No new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report.
In total, 24 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 21 have recovered, 2 are recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
THE HAGUE - Exemptions to Dutch travel restrictions for official business travel only
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to remind all staff of International Organizations in the Netherlands of the following: The exemptions to Dutch travel restrictions granted to persons in possession of a diplomatic identification card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or to holders of a foreign diplomatic passport constitute an exceptional measure intended to facilitate diplomatic missions and International Organisations to continue official travel which is essential to the work of the organisation/mission. These exemptions should therefore only be used by staff members who urgently need to travel for official purposes and whose trip cannot be postponed to a later date. Exemptions are not intended to facilitate leisure trips or family visits.
Further, in the interest of public health the Ministry urgently requests that staff members whose travels cannot be postponed and who must travel get themselves tested (regular PCR-test and rapid test) before returning to the Netherlands and to observe the self-isolation period of 10 days upon arrival, despite the availability of exemptions. The Mechanism will reimburse the costs of COVID-19 tests taken in the context of official business travel. Please include receipts in your expense report.
The Ministry expresses concern that the emergency exemptions provided by the Dutch government to staff members of diplomatic missions and International Organisations are not always used with the manner of discretion and restraint as has been asked by the Ministry. It warns that if exemptions are used without the manner of discretion and restraint described above, there is a risk that in the interest of public health, exemptions can no longer be continued.
Please find attached a Note Verbale [.pdf] on the same.
THE HAGUE - Relaxation of measures, effective 3 March 2021, in the Netherland
The Netherlands has announced the relaxation of some measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These will enter into effect from 3 March 2021. Kindly refer to the link for detailed information:
https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2021/02/23/more-breathing-space-in-lockdown-but-caution-remains
All other measures, such as the 21:00-04:30 hours curfew and maximum 1
visitor per day rule, to remain into effect through 15 March 2021.
Details of these measures are available through this link:
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 24 February, is as follows:
Two new cases of confirmed COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff based in Arusha since the last report. One of them required medical evacuation to Nairobi, which was successfully done under the UN COVID-19 MEDEVAC Framework.
In total, 26 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed to be infected, of which currently 23 have recovered, 2 are recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data on confirmed cases attached.
Questions Regarding Vaccine Dose and Time Between Doses, Answered
How far apart should the doses of vaccines be? What if I miss my second
dose? Can I get two doses from two different manufacturers? How was
safety of vaccines ensured?
This short video by WHO’s Chief Scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan
explains in Science in 5.
You can view it here.
TODAY!! How to ergonomically work from home in the best way
By popular demand, the Staff Union has arranged to re-offer the online
presentation for staff on the best way to work ergonomically from
home.
Monday 22 February, 10:30-12:00 The
Hague/Sarajevo, 11:30-13:00 Kigali, 12:30-14:00 Arusha
The online session will take 60 minutes, plus 30 minutes for
questions.
https://meet.google.com/evs-dbis-asx
(Please note: limited amount of participants so first come, first
served!)
This session will focus on:
- Demonstration of how to properly setup a remote workspace, based on the “4 x 90 degrees rule”
- How to easily make a standing desk without costs
- The physical effects of a sitting posture
- What can physically be done to counteract the negative consequences of a prolonged static position; demonstration of safe, effective and easy exercises and stretches to stimulate blood flow to reduce the symptoms.
This session will help Staff to setup a remote ergonomic workspace and
to create awareness of their posture and how this affects your muscles.
It will give them a better idea of what they can do for themselves to
reduce muscle tension, improve mobility and decrease pain and physical
discomfort.
Presentation given by André Schutter from
Health-Choice, who is a certified personal and medical rehabilitation
trainer. He is also a licensed massage therapist, specialised in sport,
deep tissue and trigger point massage.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 17 February, is as follows:
No new cases of confirmed COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report. In total, 24 Mechanism staff members are or have been confirmed to be infected, of which currently 22 have recovered, 1 is recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
As of this week, we will also report on unconfirmed cases which nonetheless and out of abundance of caution require that precautionary measures be taken, such as contact tracing. This currently relates to the situation of 1 staff member based in Arusha whose test results are pending beyond a reasonable period or whose test results are inconclusive.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data on confirmed cases attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]
Building Resilience: Staff Counsellor's Office Training
Dear Colleagues,
The UN is offering support to staff through these challenging times through ISeek and the Staff Counsellor's Office, These are free sessions that are open to all staff members.
Building Resilience: Staff Counsellor's Office Training
The Staff Counsellor’s Office is offering a series of online workshops aimed at addressing the psychosocial aspects of the current pandemic with tips and tools to help develop Resilience. Please see our course list below:
NEW YORK TIME ZONE
Online Training Courses: All courses take place LIVE at: 9:00am-10:30am – New York City time zone. Each course has a separate registration link. (Please check your spam folder as sometimes the email may be directed there.) After registration you will receive an email from: SCO HQ - with the link to the session.
|
Course Name
|
Date
|
|
Bouncing Back: An Introduction to Resilience
|
Tuesday 16 February
|
|
Psychosocial Dimensions & Implications of a Pandemic
|
Thursday 18 February
|
|
Emotion Regulation: Recognizing and Processing Difficult
Emotions
|
Tuesday 23 February
|
|
Stress Management
|
Thursday 25 February
|
Registration for each course is through the following
link:
https://iseek.un.org/announcement/staff-counsellors-office-online-training-updated
"Bouncing Back: An Introduction to Resilience". We learn the definition, characteristics and components of building resilience based on current research & literature. Participants explore personal strengths, areas of growth, and actions to take to improve resilience.
Psychosocial Dimensions & Implications of a Pandemic: This training highlights the psychosocial dimensions of the outbreak (now pandemic) from preparedness (for those staff in countries in preparedness phase) to tips for dealing with isolation/quarantine for those in mitigation phase.
Topics covered:
-
Individual Preparedness
- Why prepare? How to prepare?
-
Psychosocial Issues in a Pandemic
- Cognitive Biases
- Emotional Reactions
- Coping Strategies
- Tips for Isolated Individuals
-
Workforce Resilience
- Redefining Readiness
- Effective Risk Communication
Emotion Regulation: Recognizing and Processing Difficult Emotions": The connection between perceiving, thinking, feeling, and sensing is highlighted. Participants learn about how to regulate emotions and incline the mind towards positive emotional states in order to respond to the environment skillfully.
Stress Management: Stress in the workplace is a
significant economic and health care issue. Preparing organizations, at
all levels of involvement, to proactively address these critical issues
results in the development and maintenance of a psychologically health
workplace. Topic include: Stress in the workplace, Individual Self-Care
Practices, and Organizational Stress Management Practices.
Objectives: Increased knowledge of the effects of stress in the
workplace; Increased commitment of a percentage of staff members to
develop and practice regular self-care strategies; Increased commitment
of a percentage of directors, managers and supervisors to commit to the
principles of a psychologically healthy workplace; Improved self-care
practices for a percentage of staff members preparing for mission
assignments.
On ISeek, there is additional support for all staff through:
- Mindfulness & Relaxation sessions: https://iseek.un.org/nyc/content/staff-counsellors-office-guided-meditation-sessions
- Online Support Groups for anyone feeling the stress of this pandemic - Psychology Café is held every Tuesday 10a NY & BKK time. For more info sii iSeek: https://iseek.un.org/nyc/announcement/staff-counselors-office-online-staff-support-groups-hq
- Online support for those who are positive or possible COVID19 cases: the COVID-19 Support Group is every Thursday 10 :00 NY & BK time zones. For more info, see iSeek: https://iseek.un.org/nyc/announcement/covid-19-support-group
Sherrin Hill
Chief, Human Resources Section
International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT)
The Hague and Arusha
+31642031235
sherrin.hill@un.org
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 10 February, is as follows:
No new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report.
In total, 24 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 21 have recovered, 2 are recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
Dear Colleagues,
On Friday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. This week's update, with data as of 3 February, is as follows:
Two new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff in Arusha since the last report. These colleagues were briefly hospitalized and have since been discharged and are recuperating. It should be noted that their hospitalization occurred during the previous reporting period, but that due to delayed receipt of test results, their cases are reported only this week. The data of 27 January in the attached graph has been amended accordingly.
For this week, we report that an Arusha-based staff member with COVID-19 was successfully medically evacuated to the UN facility in Nairobi. The patient is still hospitalized, but is recuperating. While it is unfortunate that a medevac was required, it is reassuring that the medevac process was implemented very quickly, efficiently, and effectively, demonstrating that a robust medevac capacity is available in Arusha.
No workplace exposure occurred in any of the three above cases.
In total, 24 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 20 have recovered, 3 are recuperating, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf] - Revised 27-01-2021
THE HAGUE - Lockdown in the Netherlands extended - details about schools and curfew
On 02 February, the Dutch Prime Minister announced that the current lockdown will be extended until (at least) 02 March. This was decided because while the number of new positive cases per day is declining and the pressure on hospitals is gradually easing, new variants of the virus are gaining ground quickly in the Netherlands. This is cause for concern because these new variants are more infectious and can cause a new wave of infections. Therefore, current lockdown measures remain in place, with a few amendments:
* Primary schools and day care centers will re-open this coming Monday, 8 February. If a teacher or student tests positive, the entire class must quarantine for 5 days and be tested on the 5th day. After school care ("BSO"), high schools and institutes for higher education remain closed.
* As of 10 February, all stores may offer a "click-and-collect" system, where orders are placed in advance, and picked up during a time slot provided. Pick-up must be at least 4 hours after placing the order, the pick-up window must be outside, and only 1 person may come to collect the purchase.
* Under current law, the curfew will expire on Wednesday morning, 10 February, at 04:30. However, additional expert advice is being sought which may result in extension of the curfew.
On 23 February, the government will provide further information about which measures will be necessary from 2 March onwards.
For more information, including a complete overview of current lockdown measures, please see https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2021/02/02/coronavirus-situation-remains-serious-lockdown-extended
Strict adherence to COVID-19 safety measures at all Mechanism premises
Dear Colleagues,
While the increasing rollout of vaccines offers hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought under control, the situation remains serious, with the numbers of COVID-19 cases now exceeding 100 million globally and the emergence of new, more contagious variants. So it remains essential that Mechanism staff exercise caution in their daily lives and adhere strictly to all COVID-19 safety policies and measures:
- Continue to work remotely where possible given your functions. With experience gained in remote working over the course of the pandemic, staff and supervisors are encouraged to assess periodically how physical presence can be reduced;
- Engage in official travel only when absolutely essential. If travel is essential, staff are asked to comply with all testing and quarantine requirements, even if exemptions are available to staff of international organisations travelling on official business;
- Follow all public health measures implemented by national and local authorities, including travel advisories;
- Refrain from entering Mechanism premises in case of COVID-19-like symptoms, stay at home and contact the Medical Unit;
- Keep a minimum of 1.5-metre distance from others at all times. Refrain from physical contact with others, such as handshakes or hugs;
- Use face masks in all indoor spaces on all Mechanism premises, with the exception of offices where appropriate distancing can be maintained;
- Maintain thorough hand hygiene through frequent hand washing and sanitising;
- Sanitise when touching surfaces that are frequently touched by others; Practice good cough/sneeze etiquette, using a flexed elbow;
Further details on all policies and measures can be found on the updated Tribunet portal, as well as the externally accessible portal on the Mechanism’s website.
Your diligent adherence to all policies and measures is critical to our safety and the safety of our loved ones.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Friday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The intention is to provide updates on a weekly basis, with this week's update, with data of 27 January, being as follows:
No new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report. In total, 21 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 20 have recovered and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]
THE HAGUE - Exemptions (limited) to the COVID-19 test requirements when travelling to the Netherlands
Further to the broadcast email of 20 January 2021, please be advised the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the exemption to the ‘regular’ PCR-test requirement for travel to the Netherlands also applies to the rapid test requirement. This exemption applies to staff who hold a diplomatic passport or a privileged person's identity card issued by the Ministry ("MFA ID card") who are travelling to the Netherlands from a COVID-19 high risk location. Note that a UN Laissez Passer is not considered to be a diplomatic passport. In other words, international staff based in the Netherlands are exempted; staff based elsewhere and Dutch/local staff are not.
The Ministry has, however, indicated that these testing exemptions are provided to ensure the work of the diplomatic mission or international organisation and that such testing exemption should be used only in connection with official travel. In the interest of public health, should international travel proceed, the Ministry is requesting that staff nevertheless conduct a COVID-19 test before returning to the Netherlands and to observe the 10 day quarantine period upon return.
Lastly, the Ministry has formally called on all diplomatic missions and international organisations to limit the international travel of staff as much as possible.
A Travel Checklist is available at www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist
The entire spectrum of Dutch COVID-19 regulations is available on www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The intention is to provide updates on a weekly basis, with this week's update, with data of 20 January, being as follows:
No new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report. In total, 21 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 20 have recovered and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]
THE HAGUE - Curfew in the Netherlands and reduced opening hours office in The Hague
General information about the curfew
As of tomorrow, Saturday 23 January 2021, a curfew will be in effect in
the Netherlands. From 21:00 hours until 04:30 hours, everyone must stay
inside. Being inside cars, public transport and taxis is not considered
inside. You are allowed to be outside in your yard or balcony. The aim
of the curfew is to slow the COVID-19 infection rate by preventing
people from visiting each other and gathering in groups.
While the curfew is in force people will not be allowed outside without
a valid reason. If you need to go out at this time, you may do so only
in the following circumstances:
- In case of an emergency;
- If a person, dependent or animal is in need of (urgent) medical care;
- If a person is required by their employer to leave their home for official purposes;
- In case a person is (demonstrably) departing for or returning from international travel;
- If a person is (demonstrably) headed to or from a funeral;
- If a person is outside in connection with a (demonstrable) summons of a judge, prosecutor or an appeals hearing;
- If a person is (demonstrably) headed to or from an examination for a higher or vocational education (“MBO”, “HBO”, “WO”) course;
- If a person is (demonstrably) invited for and therefore headed to or from a live TVshow;
- If a person is walking their dog (- on a leash -) alone.
If it is necessary for you to go outside during the curfew, you must take a ‘curfew self-declaration’ with you (attached). Exemptions thereto include walking a leashed dog, in case of an (medical) emergency, or when demonstrably heading to/from international travel. The self-declaration form is currently available in Dutch only. The fine for curfew violation is EUR 95.
For more information, visit www.rijksoverheid.nl/avondklok. The English site is not yet updated.
General information about COVID-19 vaccines
The UN Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) has issued a frequently asked questions (FAQ) bulletin regarding COVID-19 vaccination, for UN staff. It is a document for a global audience and therefore not country-specific.
In addition, please also find attached a similar document from the Dutch government with general information about safety, types and importance of COVID-19 vaccines.
For future reference, both documents will also be placed on our COVID-19 Portal under the new "vaccinations" button.
THE HAGUE - New COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands, including additional travel restrictions and curfew
The additional measures were announced by the Dutch government at a press conference on 20 January 2021. The most relevant measures include the following:
- With immediate effect, a maximum of one visitor aged 13 or older per day in the home. Exceptions apply in the case of vulnerable persons.
- Effective 23 January 2021, rapid antigen test at the point of boarding required for persons travelling to the Netherlands by air or ship. This rapid antigen test must be taken within 4 hours prior to departure, and will be in addition to the required negative PCR test done within 72 hours of arrival in the Netherlands.
- Effective 23 January 2021, a ban for travel to the Netherlands by air or ship from the United Kingdom, South-Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Columbia, French Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela.
- No more exemptions to the EU travel ban for non-EU/EEA spouses or partners of persons living in the Netherlands. This means that these spouses/partners may not travel to the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area.
- Effective 25 January 2021, a maximum of 50 persons attending a funeral.
Additional measures anticipated to enter into force:
- Curfew from 20:30 to 04:30 hours.Persons who are outside for work, or travelling to or from work, are exempted from the curfew, provided they are in possession of an employer's certification. Persons providing assistance to the elderly, disabled or sick persons (known as "mantelzorg") will be exempted from the curfew, provided they carry a completed form detailing the reason for their presence outside. Persons may be outside to walk a dog on a leash, or in case of a medical emergency. The curfew measure is expected to enter into force on 23 or 24 January 2021, following the debate in Parliament on 21 January 2021.
- Legally enforceable quarantine for 10 days for persons traveling to the Netherlands from locations with a high risk for COVID-19. Such persons will be required to provide an address where the quarantine will be effected, subject to spot-checks by the authorities and fines for non-compliance. Such quarantine can be reduced in the case of a negative PCR test on day 5 upon arrival to the Netherlands. This mandatory quarantine will replace the current quarantine advisory and is expected to enter into force in a few weeks following a legislative process and the creation of the IT infrastructure to register the quarantine address.
- Legally enforceable quarantine for persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands where the authorities have reason to believe (e.g., through the contact tracing process) that the quarantine advisory is not being adhered to. This is expected to enter into force in a few weeks following a legislative process.
- Extension of the negative PCR test and rapid antigen test requirement for travel to the Netherlands by motor vehicle. This is expected to enter into force in a few weeks following a legislative process.
The Mechanism is awaiting clarification from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether staff of international organisations will be exempted from any of these measures.
THE HAGUE - Additional test requirement for travellers flying to the Netherlands from the UK, Ireland and South Africa
Dutch authorities are implementing a new measure to reduce the risk of the spread of new Corona virus mutations: As of today, Friday 15 January 2021, all travelers who enter the Netherlands by air from the UK, Ireland or South Africa, must show a negative rapid antigen test taken immediately prior to departure. A similar requirement will shortly be added for travelers arriving in the Netherlands by sea.
This requirement of a rapid antigen test is in addition to the existing requirement of a negative PCR test which must have been taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in the Netherlands. Details about this PCR test requirement were shared in broadcasts on 24 and 29 December.
Staff and dependents with a diplomatic identity card issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs are exempted from both test requirements. A UNLP does not provide exemption to either test requirement.
Negative test results are not a substitute for self-quarantining. People with a negative test result should still self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the Netherlands.
Details about the new rapid antigen test requirement for travelers from the UK, Ireland and South-Africa can be found here.
Details about the PCR test requirement can be found here.
Update on COVID-19 vaccinations
The recent start of the of deployment of vaccines gives us all hope in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This development naturally gives rise to questions regarding vaccination programmes for United Nations personnel and their families.
We would like to update you on the UN approach, which is to rely on national programs to ensure vaccination. In this regard, the Secretary-General has reached out to Member States seeking their commitment to ensure that UN personnel and dependents serving within their borders are included in their national programmes and will receive the vaccine in line with the WHO’s Values Framework and Prioritization Roadmap for the allocation and prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination (attached for your information, together with relevant correspondence).
If Member States will not have capacity to carry this out, the United Nations will organize the vaccination of UN personnel and dependents directly. In these cases, the UN Department of Operational Support (DOS), which has been tasked by the Secretary-General to lead a centrally coordinated, system-wide approach to vaccinations, will make the necessary arrangements and information in this regard will be communicated in due course. As a first step all UN Resident Coordinators have been asked to collect data of staff and eligible dependents who may fall into a priority category as established in the WHO Values Framework.
In relation to our duty stations, the situation is as follows:
The Hague: The Mechanism has received assurances from the authorities that Mechanism staff and their dependents aged 18 and older will be included in the Dutch vaccination campaign. The vaccination will be offered free of charge and on a voluntary basis. This campaign prioritizes the elderly and medical personnel, followed by people with underlying medical conditions, institutionalized individuals and those over 60 years of age. Vaccination of individuals not falling within these priority categories is anticipated to commence during the second or third quarter of this year. Mechanism staff based in the Netherlands are reminded to report any home address changes to the Visa & Entitlements Unit (VEU) for onward transmission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to be registered with a local General Practitioner/family doctor (huisarts). This will ensure that you and your eligible dependents will be included in the Dutch COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Please find attached in annex a list of local GPs you might be able to register with.
Arusha, Kigali and Sarajevo: The respective UN Country Teams as led by their Resident Coordinators have reached out to national governments to understand to what extent UN staff and dependents will be included in their national vaccination campaigns. Responses are pending. The Mechanism remains actively engaged through the UN Country Teams to ensure that all our staff and eligible dependents will ultimately be able to be vaccinated.
As developments occur, we will provide regular updates in regard to this process.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Wednesday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The intention is to provide updates on a weekly basis, with this week's update, with data of 13 January, being as follows:
No new cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded amongst Mechanism staff since the last report. In total, 21 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 1 is still infected or recuperating, 19 have recovered, and 1 has passed away.
A COVID-19 infection amongst personnel of the cleaning company that services the Hague premises was recorded last week. Appropriate action was immediately taken, including temporary replacement of the entire cleaning crew.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]
THE HAGUE - Host state matters: Accuracy of your registration with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Staff are reminded that the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a personal records database (PROBAS) of all Judges and staff members of international organisations, as well as the members of the family forming part of the household, living in the Netherlands. This database contains information which international organisations are required to provide to the Ministry.
The accuracy of the Ministry's database is required for many purposes, including for official mailings from the Dutch authorities, including the local health authorities (GGDs) for COVID-19 vaccination invitations and for law enforcement purposes. Therefore, the Mechanism must transmit information to the Ministry, including changes in a staff member's home address in the Netherlands, civil status (marriage, divorce or registered partnership) and birth of a child and death in the family. Specific deadlines to transmitting this information apply. Further information on these notification requirements can be found in the Ministry's Protocol Guide for International Organisations, copy of which is attached.
Consequently, you are reminded to report any changes in your home address, civil status, dependents, etc. using the function on Tribunet >> Staff Records >> Request Changes. This information is transmitted automatically to the Visa & Entitlement Unit (VEU). Please do not forget to include the effective date. If you do not have access to Tribunet, you may email the information to the VEU. Copies of birth, marriage or divorce certificates must also be provided to the VEU by email. The VEU takes care of transmitting the required information to the Ministry.
If you or your dependents have registered with the municipality in its Brp registry, then your or your family members must also communicate any such changes in home address, etc., to the municipality. Home address changes can be submitted to the municipality of The Hague in writing or electronically using the DigiD. Other municipalities have similar procedures.
https://www.denhaag.nl/en/moving-and-immigration/report-your-move.htm
If you have any further questions, kindly contact the VEU by email (IRMCT-VEU on IBM Notes or irmct-veu[at]un.org).
Invitation for Workshop on Burnout and Secondary Trauma - Tuesday 19 January at 13:30
Dear Colleagues,
You are invited to attend a 90 minute online workshop on "Burnout and Secondary Trauma", which will be facilitated by Regan Shercliffe, Chief of the World Food Programme's Staff Counselling Unit. This workshop is designed for those who are at risk of burnout or for those who are at risk of secondary trauma based on their exposure to evidence through trials or trial support (ie investigations, witness support, etc) or other aspects of their job.
This will be held through MS Teams on Tuesday 19 January 2021 at 13:30. The link for this meeting will be sent separately.
Please RSVP directly to me by Friday 15 January, so that I can plan with the trainer regarding breakout rooms, etc.
Best regards,
Sherrin Hill
Chief, Human Resources Section
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community
On Thursday last week, Management last shared information about COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community. The intention is to provide updates on a weekly basis, with this week's update, with data of 6 January, being as follows:
One new case of COVID-19 infection has been recorded amongst Arusha-based Mechanism staff while on leave outside of Tanzania. There has therefore been no workplace exposure related to this case. In total, 21 Mechanism staff members are or have been infected, of which currently 2 are still infected or recuperating, 18 have recovered, and 1 has passed away.
Please find a graphical presentation of the data attached.
Update on COVID-19 infections in the Mechanism community [.pdf]