WIPO Takes Stock of Latest H1N1 Developments

Geneva, June 12, 2009
UPD/2009/313

A special task force set up by WIPO Director General Francis Gurry to monitor the progression of influenza A (H1N1), to keep staff informed of the status of the pandemic and to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all those associated with WIPO’s operations met on June 12, 2009 to take stock of latest developments.  

Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement that the pandemic had been elevated to phase 6, the group agreed to continue to act in line with recommendations from WHO, the United Nations medical service, and host country authorities. The group noted in particular that WHO has stressed that the change in phase “reflects geographical spread of the new influenza A (H1N1) virus, and not the severity of illness that it causes,” which is currently assessed as moderate. 

While the Organization is not curbing operations by imposing travel restrictions related to the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) on its staff, it is exercising the greatest care and discretion with respect to official travel.