The festive season is around the corner, and many of you may wonder whether this can be marked at CERN.

COVID level 2 restrictions are currently in force on site and, with the rate of infections increasing in the local area, the Enlarged Directorate (ED) has decided that end-of-year work team gatherings will not be authorised on site this year. While we all know how important end-of-year celebrations are for team spirit, a strict application of health-related measures remains key to keeping us all safe and reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

Beyond the CERN site, the COVID-19 restrictions in the Host States allow social gatherings, while stipulating self-isolation for all participants of such events if one of them tests positive. That’s why the ED advises that working teams also avoid gatherings involving the whole team off the CERN site, as group self-isolation could seriously impact the work of the team. 

Whatever your plans, and whoever you choose to socialise with, make your gatherings as safe as they can be by taking advantage of CERN’s self-testing system, which is available at 11 testing points on site. Use the PLAMED platform to sign up for your self-test. In the event of symptoms, please self-evaluate and self-declare on TRAMED.

Stay safe and enjoy the winter cheer.