Message for the attention of anyone participating in Council of Europe meetings in France

UPDATED ON 21/03/2025

The Council of Europe invites you to follow the recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory infectious diseases (COVID-19, flu, colds, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, whooping cough, etc.).

These infections have similar modes of transmission. They are transmitted either through respiratory secretions, spittle and/or aerosol, through sneezing, coughing and even talking, or through direct contact with an infected person (for example, by shaking hands) or through contact with objects (worktops, lift buttons, cutlery, etc.) contaminated by an infected person.

The Council of Europe recommends that anyone who has to visit its premises to participate in an event should respect the measures outlined below:

  1. If you have any symptoms suggesting a possible Covid-19, flu or any 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 mask (preferably FFP2 or surgical) at least for the duration of the symptoms, in the presence of other people so as not to infect them.
    • Strengthen hand hygiene by frequently cleaning your hands with soap and water, or a hydroalcoholic gel.   Avoid touching your face and systematically cover your nose and mouth with your elbow when coughing or sneezing;
    • Get tested for the Covid-19 (and/or flu) virus with an antigen or RT PCR test (less reliable 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 of the Palais de l’Europe.
      • If the Covid test is positive:
        • If possible, cancel your participation or, if not, wear an FFP2 mask at all times for 7 days from the onset of symptoms, do not share meals and snacks, avoid contact with people at risk of severe Covid-19 as much as possible, and inform people with whom you have been in contact during the contagious period (in the 48 hours before the onset of symptoms).
      • If the Covid test is negative, then:
        • 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 a contact case:
    • It is recommended that you wear a surgical or FFP2 mask for 7 days after contact.
    • Limit contact with other people, especially the most vulnerable.
  • If you have symptoms, do not share meals/snacks or coffee breaks with colleagues.