Los Angeles, CA – January 31, 2020 – The COVID-19 public health emergency is a rapidly evolving situation. The Global Bank Group (@GlobalBankGroup) is mindful of the health and safety of the public and our staff including those in Global Bank Group’s Agencies, Funds and Programmes, Contractors, and Non-governmental Organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Bank Group is taking these important considerations into account as we all continue our work to protect human health and the environment. Accordingly, the Bank Group has issued a temporary policy in an extraordinary advisory to not travel anywhere abroad because of the coronavirus pandemic, and that the employees should either return home or stay in place.

“Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit employees, and consultants travel mobility and impact resident mission’s ability to provide services in infrastructure, sustainable development, climate change, including to disaster-prone areas, including quarantined areas and regions,” the president of the Global Bank Group Ron Nechemia (@RonNechemia) said in a statement. “Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.”

The Global Bank Group authorized the departure of personnel and family members from any diplomatic or resident mission post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification.  These departures may limit the ability of the Global Bank Group and the Global Bank Group’s Agencies, Funds and Programmes. They span across all areas of work and may substantially impact the critical support of the Bank Group’s resident mission^[1] to provide services in infrastructure, sustainable development, and climate change including to disaster stricken areas in all regions.

The Global Bank Group and the Global Bank Group’s Agencies, Funds and Programmes, are expected to comply with local emergency orders, including requiring both staff and patrons to follow the local face-covering order and abide by appropriate guidance issued by the relevant government authorities including isolation or quarantine order. At present, the Global Bank Group is making every effort to assist its employees overseas who wish to return to the United States.

The Global Bank Group continues to monitor the health situation globally and recommends that individuals follow health official guidance and avoid government-designated affected areas. The Bank Group remains committed to partnering with organizations and companies to tackle this deadly virus and promote the welfare of citizens all around the world.

The advisory affects Global Bank headquarters staff and the Global Bank Group’s Agencies, Funds, Programmes employees, and outside consultants.

Travel Alerts and Warnings
You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and the most recent health information provided by local governments.