The United Nations headquarters in New York is ready to reopen, a spokesman confirmed here.  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on July 2 issued new guidance in connection with the next phase of returning to work at the headquarters, which has been closely guided by the authorities in New York State, Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief's spokesman, said on Tuesday. "We received new guidelines that, as of today, UN headquarters in New York have met the requirements to re-open fully for in-person business," he told a regular press briefing.

Daily occupancy limits have now been lifted and all personnel who have been working remotely are expected to return to the workplace, notwithstanding their vaccination status. "As we have said many times, the safety and health of UN personnel and delegates are our number one priority and journalists, of course. We will follow, but not lead, the loosening of restrictions by New York City and (New York) State," UN chief's spokesman said.

By swiping UN passes, staff and others are confirming that they have not tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 10 days and have not had symptoms consistent with the disease in the last 10 days.For unvaccinated people, swiping their badges means that they have not had close contact with a person with Covid-19 in the last 10 days, said the spokesman. Out of an abundance of caution, however, all people will be required to wear masks indoors in common areas on UN premises, he said.

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