INFORMATION REGARDING NOVEL CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19

INFORMATION REGARDING NOVEL CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19

Being abroad during a difficult situation can be particularly stressful. We suggest that partners and spouses abroad who are seeking information should first contact their representation and/or partner or spouse, as it will be very difficult for the Family Office to keep up with the situation in each country and posting location. Staff at posts will have the most up-to-date information that is available; however please be aware that the situation may continue to change rapidly.

The Family Office intends to send information to partners and spouses soon; please be patient as the situation is changing quickly. Please note, you need to be registered with the Family Office in order to receive their emails.

The Department has indicated to employees that accompanying family members wishing to leave the posting country may do so. Costs for leaving the country can either be covered privately, or with the flat-rate compensation for the annual family leave (Consultation trip / Konsultationsreise) to Switzerland. International schools have been temporarily closed in some countries. Should this situation last longer and other solutions need to be found, affected employees can contact HR-Beratung. Please check with your partner or representation for the most up-to-date information.

As the virus has also reached Switzerland, families considering leaving may want to weigh the risks and benefits of staying at home at post versus traveling internationally.

For updated information and recommendations about keeping healthy and reducing or preventing the spread of the virus, check the websites of the Federal Office of Public Health (https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov.html) or the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019).

The current situation is a stressful one – please try to take care of yourselves. If you are feeling a lot of stress, try to take a break from the news, do something you enjoy, or talk to friends and family for support.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.