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UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi tests positive for COVID-19

Filippo Grandi, who kicked off UNHCR’s week-long Executive Committee meeting in Geneva on Monday, told participants via video-link that he would need to continue following the event from home.

UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi tests positive for COVID-19

New Delhi: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi on Wednesday said he has tested positive for COVID-19.

He revealed in a tweet that he is mildly symptomatic.

“I am engaging with UNHCR’s Executive Committee from home as I have to isolate after testing positive to #COVID19. I only have mild symptoms and hope to recover soon,” the High Commissioner wrote on Twitter.

He also urged people to wear a mask and maintain social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. “A reminder of the importance of washing hands, keeping distances and wearing masks!” the tweet read further.

Grandi had addressed delegates from the podium in the UN Assembly Hall in Geneva on the first day of the event, but participated remotely on Tuesday.

UNHCR’s executive committee is for the first time being held as a hybrid event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Only limited numbers of delegates are allowed to attend physically, and distancing restrictions and mask requirements are in place.