Secretariat’s message regarding COVID-19
Dear Members，
Given the pandemic of the COVID-19, ISO/TC8 Chairman and Secretariat suggest all members to take necessary precautions against being infected by the virus.
As of today, more than 150 countries have confirmed cases which covers five continents. Special attention should be paid that the outbreak occurred on two large cruise ships (Diamond Princess and Grand Princess) this time.
Considering the severity of COVID-19 infection, all members in ISO/TC8 shall strictly comply with the latest ISO requirement that all ISO governance and technical meetings planned until 30 June 2020 must be held virtually or postponed until after that date.
The latest updates on the situation are available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and updated on a regular basis (see https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus). Attached please also find the relevant IMO documents with regards to COVID-19 for your reference.
ISO/TC8 secretariat is continuing to monitor the situation and will inform all members immediately upon receipt of the latest ISO notification.
ISO/TC8 Secretariat
Notice to the affected IMO meetings
The following IMO meetings are now postponed:
- the 7th meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 March 2020;
- the 33rd meeting of the E&T Group (IMSBC), scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 March 2020;
- the 75th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), scheduled to take place from 30 March to 3 April 2020;
- the meeting of the Scientific Group of the London Convention and London Protocol scheduled to take place from 9 to 13 March 2020; and
- the 107th session of the Legal Committee, scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 March 2020.
For more information please visit http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/04-Covid-19-IMO-meetings-.aspx