“In light of developments related to the COVID-19 virus and after meeting  with UN agencies and observers in Geneva, we have taken a decision to suspend all meetings at the WTO until the end of April 2020. This decision will be reviewed as appropriate,” the Director-General said. “Additionally, all WTO Secretariat staff (except on-site critical staff) are to work from home until the end of March 2020. This decision will be reviewed by the end of March.”

The decision to restrict WTO operations was taken after consultations between the Director-General and the General Council Chair Amb. David Walker of New Zealand. Amb. Walker has fully endorsed the announced measures.

The WTO is reviewing alternatives for arranging virtual meetings to enable members to participate remotely.