UN Headquarters heads towards the "New Normal"

The United Nations Headquarters in New York City, largely closed since mid-March, this week began its three phased reopening as per the relaxing of city COVID-19 regulations. 

“The safety and health of UN personnel, delegates and all others on the premises is the number one priority,” says Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support.  “The physical return of personnel to the workplace will be in accordance with and will follow - not get ahead of - the loosening of restrictions by New York City and State.” 

Disinfection crews have already begun the widespread cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas including offices and conference rooms within the 39 floor secretariat tower, GA Hall, lavatories, and libraries. 

Phase 1

Under phase 1 maximum occupancy of the HQ building will be at a maximum of 400 persons, less than 10% of normal levels. Annex buildings will also be required to maintain similar percentages and remote working will still be encouraged throughout the organisation where possible.  

Those returning under Phase 1 will be required to wear face coverings outside of their offices while transitioning through common areas such as elevators, cafeterias, hallways and lavatories. 

Phase 2

The eventual shift to Phase 2 will see an increase in personnel up to a maximum of 1100 personnel which equates to roughly 40% of norm. Other buildings will also be expected to maintain similar levels. 

For both initial phases face-to-face meetings will not be permitted. 

Phase 3

Phase 3, also known as “the new normal” will take place once risks again reach pre-epidemic levels and all NY city and state COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. The UN Department of Operational Support has yet to outline the work modalities that will be in place under this phase. 

Seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly

“COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work and interact,” Under-Secretary-General Khare says. “But we are resilient, and together we can navigate through this, while maintaining physical distancing of course.”

The format for the General Assembly’s annual general debate in September and other high-level meetings taking place at Headquarters during the upcoming seventy-fifth session will likely change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has written to Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, proposing that the UN’s 193-member policymaking organ consider holding its general debate in a different format, possibly using pre-recorded messages provided by Heads of State and Government or Ministers, and limiting any physical presence in the General Assembly Hall to one person per delegation based in New York.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/inside-look-next-steps-towards-‘new-normal’-un-headquarters