Message for the attention of all persons attending meetings of the Council of Europe in France

UPDATE ON 28/11/2023

We take your health and safety very seriously and are taking all appropriate measures to best combine the continuation of the Organisation’s core business whilst managing health risks by implementing the recommendations of the host country, in order to combat not only COVID 19 but also other viral infections (colds, rhinopharyngitis, bronchitis, influenza, bronchiolitis in children, etc.)

We ask all persons who are due to take part in any activity organised by the Council of Europe in France to consult the recommendations of their national authorities and of the host country available on the reference site of the French Government, and to decide in a responsible manner, depending on the possible risk of contamination that they pose to others, whether or not to postpone their visit.

Wearing a mask (surgical or FFP2) is not compulsory, but it is recommended in crowded or enclosed areas, as are hygiene and protective measures.

The Council of Europe recommends that all external persons participating in an event on its premises should respect the measures described below: 

1. If they have any symptoms suggesting a possible Covid-19 or other respiratory infection, (such as a sore throat, cough, cold, unusual tiredness, headache, digestive problems, etc.), before travelling or during their stay in the Council of Europe, it is recommended to:

  • Wear a FFP2 mask or a surgical mask in the presence of others to avoid any spreading.
  • Reinforce hand hygiene by using hydroalcoholic gel, avoid touching your face and systematically cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing into your elbow.
  • Carry out a Covid-19 test (self-tests are not recommended). At the Council of Europe: antigen tests and a consultation with a doctor can be carried out at the medical service in the palais de l’Europe. 
    • If the test is positive: 

If possible cancel your attendance and/or participate online. Otherwise, if attendance is essential: wear a FFP2 mask at all times for a period of 7 days (from the date of onset of symptoms), do not share meals or snacks/coffee breaks with others, avoid contact with vulnerable persons at risk of developing a severe form of Covid-19, inform people with whom you have been in contact during the contagious period (48 hours before the onset of symptoms).
 

  • If the test is negative: 

Wear a mask (surgical or FFP2) at all times as long as symptoms persist, whenever possible do not share meals or snacks/coffee breaks with others, whenever possible avoid unmasked contact with vulnerable persons.

2. If you are contact case

From the time of contact, wear a surgical or FFP2 mask for 7 days.
Comply with the measures indicated in paragraph 1.