The position on the COVID pandemic remains serious and unpredictable. Governments everywhere struggle with balancing the health of their economies with the health of their populations. The vaccine roll-out seems likely to take most of this year and even then, the impact of mutant strains of the virus and national quarantine requirements are difficult to predict
IARU Region 1 has a number of in-person events planned for 2021 in the Youth, ARDF and HST areas, as well as the planned Workshop for Member Societies. It is not yet certain whether it will be possible to run these events as scheduled.
IARU Region 1 will adopt the following approach:
Youth events scheduled before end-June will not take place. These events make social distancing difficult and we do not believe it will be possible for them to take place. Other 2021 events will remain in the calendar for the time being. We will review the forecast evolution of the pandemic sufficiently prior to each event and make an announcement about whether it will take place. Generally this will be four months prior to the scheduled date. Those planning to attend should thus have sufficient time to make the necessary bookings and travel arrangements.
IARU Region 1’s intent is to ensure that any events which take place do so in an environment which respects national requirements for pandemic control and which does not place at risk the health and well-being of those participating.
The IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group
