12 March

The United Nations has decided to postpone two more international meetings in an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The UN postponed an intergovernmental conference on marine biodiversity and a forum on indigenous issues. It also began discussing whether to close its headquarters in New York .

The UN had already postponed a series of meetings on women's empowerment earlier this month.

The UN says so far no cases have been reported among their staff in New York.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday that the organization has the capacity to hold press briefings remotely.

Dujarric also said the UN is discussing what the impact on operations would be if it had to close its headquarters in New York.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called an emergency meeting of senior officials on Wednesday. There is speculation that the organization may temporarily close its headquarters.

NHK