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An Update on Travel and Face-to-Face Meetings

31 March 2021
By Göran Marby

As you're likely aware, this month marks one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The health and safety of the ICANN community remains our top priority, and ICANN organization (org) continues to closely monitor the pandemic as it relates to business travel and meeting guidance.

Today, I want to inform you that due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, ICANN org is extending our suspension of travel and face-to-face meetings until 30 June 2021. In making this decision, we took into account the latest information and advice from the medical community and available scientific data; the rapidly changing and complex travel landscape; and the fact that countries where we operate and may travel to are in different stages of managing the virus. We consider all travel and face-to-face meetings to be high risk activities right now.

This extension to our suspension of travel and face-to-face meetings does not impact the status of ICANN's offices, which currently remain closed, and staff are required to work from home. In our phased approach, each office will reopen on its own schedule.

I am confident that our decision to extend our business travel and face-to-face meetings restrictions will help keep the org, community, and Board safe and healthy. I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these incredibly difficult times. We will continue to update you regarding any changes to our guidance.

Authors

Göran Marby

Göran Marby

Former President & CEO