As I told you, this week we had discussions with our supervisory body, the MEAE. Following discussions with our crisis unit, which met on Friday morning, we have received clarifications which have led me to adjust these measures.
With effect from Monday 7 February, I am reopening the possibility of derogations for travel abroad. However, the ban remains the principle. I will be granting exemptions on an exceptional basis and after examination of the applications by the directorates of the scientific departments for :
departures on assignment ;
departures of international volunteers whose employment contract has been concluded ;
departures on long-term assignments directly linked to Covid research;
travel within the European Union that is essential and cannot be postponed.
The first three cases require a travel certificate for "compelling business reasons that cannot be postponed" (available on the Ministry of the Interior website).
Where derogations have been granted, all the directives put in place by the countries concerned and France must be complied with.
To enter France, you will need :
A negative PCR test less than 72 hours old;
carry out a 7-day period of isolation once you arrive in France;
repeat the test after 7 days.
Although these last two instructions do not apply to travellers from the European Union, we recommend that all IRD staff from abroad follow them.
Final returns from assignments or missions are still possible, provided they comply with these guidelines. Returns for leave are not authorised.
Given the current health situation, any journey involves taking risks. Every time we are asked to give an opinion or make a decision, we have to assess these risks: health risks, of course, and risks to the safety of others, which unfortunately are still relevant, but also financial or administrative risks (if, for example, the employee finds himself unable to return to his place of employment).
Don't hesitate to remind our staff who have to travel that they must scrupulously respect all the instructions given by the local authorities. It's a question of responsibility, solidarity and health for everyone. It's also a question of our image.
In addition, following the Prime Minister's press conference on Thursday 4 February, and the new announcements on working arrangements to protect oneself and combat the spread of the virus, and the circular from the Ministry of the Civil Service on 5 February 2021, from this week :
The possibility of on-site presence has been reduced to one day a week for staff whose work is entirely teleworkable. We know that permanent teleworking is not without organisational and individual risks. However, while preserving the possibility of on-site presence, this must henceforth be strictly limited.
On-site face-to-face meetings are prohibited, except for compelling reasons. In this case, they are limited to six people, who must respect the physical distance (2 metres), wear a mask, in a ventilated room...
All of this information will be made available to everyone today on our intranet, intranet.ird.fr/info-coronavirus, and then distributed via IRD INFO.
As you know, the situation is difficult, complex and changing rapidly. We must continue to be as benevolent as possible towards each other and towards everyone else, and support our employees, who remain mobilised and highly committed.
The February holidays are starting. It's important that we get some rest. We need this rest if we are to continue this year together as calmly as possible. Although 2021 remains uncertain in view of the crisis we are experiencing, it is full of great institutional events and challenges that will mobilise our Institute and our partners.
I'm counting on you. I'm counting on you.
Take good care of yourself and your loved ones,
Valérie Verdier Chief Executive Officer