Italy has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak, with nearly 28,000 confirmed cases of the disease and 2,503 deaths, according to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO). While a national quarantine has the country in lockdown, it has not halted the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), based in the capital, Rome.
FAO leads global efforts to defeat hunger and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality food. The agency is working with WHO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to assist countries and researchers in identifying potential animal hosts of the new coronavirus, though currently spread and development is due to human-to-human transmission.
FAO experts advise on prevention and control measures to support veterinary services; they also are working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure readiness to rapidly detect the virus in animals as well as to conduct thorough surveillance of its circulation in the environment.
Above all, the UN agency has acted swiftly to implement measures so that its life-saving work can continue at all levels amid the pandemic.
Most staff have been working remotely, although a skeleton team remains at the building to ensure critical business continuity. It too will be reduced this week as FAO moves to complete telecommuting. The new arrangements mean new ways of working. Teams are using technology not only to get the job done but also to keep in touch.
Leaving the house requires filling out a form declaring why you need to go outside and that you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, nor have you tested positive for the disease.
The lockdown means no cars are on the street, but also no tourists as historic sites such as the Colosseum and the Parthenon are temporarily closed to visitors.
Original source: UN News
Published on 18 March 2020
