Health and Safety

ICAO HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THE A42

The personnel safety and well-being of all meeting participants is the top priority of ICAO Secretariat.

In accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Quebec provincial public health authority, and ICAO Medical Services, all necessary measures have been taken to limit the spread of respiratory infectious diseases on ICAO premises.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

If you experience any of the following symptoms – fever, chills, headache, sudden flu-like illness, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, rash, or unexplained bleeding, please:

Do not report to ICAO Headquarters
Notify ICAO HQ Medical Services immediately: +1 (514) 315-1955 or medcen [at] icao.int

PERSONAL RISK ASSESSMENTS

Participants must not attend meetings if they experience any of the following:

Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever, cough
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

All participants are advised to conduct a personal risk assessment before attending in-person meetings.

Individuals with the following conditions may be at a higher risk of serious complications if affected by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, pertussis, measles, or COVID-19. Other related conditions include:

Hypertension
Obesity (BMI ≥ 30)
Chronic lung disease (including severe asthma)
Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer (current or in remission)
Severe liver or kidney disease
Pregnancy
Conditions or treatments affecting immunity
Age ≥ 60 years
Any other condition as advised by your treating physician

BEFORE YOUR MEETING

Participants are advised to:

Stay up to date on vaccinations, especially for respiratory illnesses:
- Seasonal influenza: recommended for everyone 6 months and older
- COVID-19: updated vaccines recommended for adults (18+) and children (6 months–17 years)
- RSV: recommended for adults aged 75+ and high-risk adults aged 50–74
- Ensure other routine vaccinations (including measles, pertussis) are current
Ensure adequate health insurance coverage for your stay in Canada
Bring adequate supply of routine medications or medical devices, as advised by your healthcare provider

DURING YOUR MEETING

PERSONAL HYGIENE & RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE

ICAO premises and the Conference Centre are regularly cleaned and disinfected
Hand sanitizers are widely available throughout the buildings
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer (≥60%)
Cover coughs and sneezes using tissues or your elbow – not your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately
Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth)
Wear a well-fitting mask when symptomatic, after exposure, or during heightened respiratory virus activity
Voluntary masking is encouraged even when not mandated

PREVENTION AND PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

Conduct daily health self-assessments: monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath
Stay home if symptomatic or COVID-19 positive: observe a 5-day precaution period, wear a mask, and keep distance when around others
Return to work or meetings only when symptoms have improved and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication
Apply a layered approach: combine vaccination, masking, distancing, ventilation, hand hygiene, and staying home when unwell – no single measure is sufficient

IF YOU BECOME UNWELL DURING A MEETING

If you develop symptoms while on ICAO premises:

Wear a mask immediately and maintain physical distance from others
Notify the meeting organizers or contact:
- ICAO Building Security: dial extension 6666 or call +1 (514) 954-6666
- ICAO Medical Services: call +1 (514) 315-1955 or email medcen [at] icao.int (medcen[at]icao[dot]int)

MEDICAL SERVICES LOCATION AND HOURS

ICAO HQ Medical Services will operate from the Conference Centre, 1st floor, near CR.3, accessible via the main entrance.
Operating hours: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday, throughout the Assembly period.

SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

Within the ICAO building, there are:

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located at key points
First Aid Kits available throughout the premises
Over 100 certified First Aid Responders trained to assist in emergencies

Meeting participants are encouraged to contact the Security Desk in the event of any emergency:

Internal extension: 6666
External: +1 (514) 954-6666

Upon notification, the security team will promptly mobilize the medical team and coordinate response.

RESOURCES

RSV in Quebec: RSV Situation Updates
Influenza (Flu) in Quebec: Flu Information
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Pertussis Information
Measles in Quebec: Measles Information | Outbreak Updates
Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Canada: Government of Canada Updates
COVID-19 in Quebec: Symptoms & Transmission | Situation Updates | Vaccination