UNHCR refugee chief tests positive for coronavirus

(Karachi) The United Nation (UN) refugee chief Filippo Grandi has tested positive for Covid-19, after leading the first two days of the agency's main annual meeting in person.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Grandi said: "I am engaging with UNHCR's Executive Committee from home as I have to isolate after testing positive to #COVID19."

Wishing our @FilippoGrandi a speedy recovery https://t.co/SLbR9vchlP

— Babar Baloch (@iBabarBaloch) October 7, 2020

He added, "I only have mild symptoms and hope to recover soon."

Filippo Grandi was heading UNHCR's week-long Executive Committee meeting in Geneva. The executive committee meeting is beig held for the first time as a hybrid event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Only limited numbers of delegates are allowed to attend physically, and distancing restrictions and mask requirements are in place.