COP26 President statement on COVID measures for delegates coming to Glasgow
Alok Sharma confirms support available for quarantine hotel stays for those arriving from red list areas who would otherwise find it difficult to attend
COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said:
“COP26 has already been postponed by one year, and we are all too aware climate change has not taken time off. The recent IPCC report underlines why COP26 must go ahead this November to allow world leaders to come together and set out decisive commitments to tackle climate change.
“We are working tirelessly with all our partners, including the Scottish Government and the UN, to ensure an inclusive, accessible and safe summit in Glasgow with a comprehensive set of COVID mitigation measures. This includes an offer from the UK Government to fund the required quarantine hotel stays for registered delegates arriving from red list areas and to vaccinate accredited delegates who would be unable otherwise to get vaccinated.
“Ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are heard is a priority for the COP26 Presidency, and if we are to deliver for our planet, we need all countries and civil society to bring their ideas and ambition to Glasgow.”
Background:
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Vaccination is very strongly recommended for everyone coming to COP and delegates who have registered for a vaccine through the accreditation process are set to begin receiving their first dose this week.
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The offer of funding the required managed quarantine stays is to party delegates, observers and media who are arriving from red list areas who would otherwise find it difficult to attend COP, including all those from the Global South.
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It is available to individuals who are both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
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Delegates from red listed countries who are fully vaccinated will have to quarantine on arrival for five days. Unvaccinated delegates for ten days.
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Like many international events, the way COP operates has to adapt to the COVID context. As we make arrangements for COP26, ensuring the health of participants and the local community is of utmost importance.
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Decisions on Travel Restrictions and vaccines for COP26, in light of COVID, have been developed by the UK Government and Scottish Government and based on public health advice.