Dear Friends and Colleagues,
The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed our environment, our work and our personal lives.
First of all, I hope that you, your family, friends and colleagues are fine. Unfortunately, I have learnt that amongst our members and their families several have been contaminated by this awful virus. My warm and concerned thoughts are with them and I sincerely hope that the illness will remain in its mild form and that we shall soon have the reassuring news that they have fully recovered.
COVID-19 has also changed IGAL customs. As you are already aware, we have had to cancel the midterm meeting in Bordeaux. Of course, once we have more visibility on the current epidemic, we shall explore all future options to reorganise an event in Bordeaux at a later date.
For the moment the AGM, planned for October 2020, is on stand-by. We will not make any commitments until such time as we can be assured of it taking place in the best possible conditions for everyone, health must remain our priority.
The Board is following the developments closely and we shall give you regular updates on the situation.
We, the Board, are also currently working on the revamp of our Newsletter and certain sections of our website. You will get further news on this in the coming days.
Why not let us have a few lines about how you, your profession, your country are dealing with the current crisis? Your experience may be of help to your fellow members.
To conclude, I must say that I shall personally miss not being able to meet with you in a friendly, joyful atmosphere, but rest assured, in spite of not seeing you, I shall continue putting as much energy into IGAL and hope that in the not too distant future this “bad story” will be an “old story”.
My warmest wishes to all, take care of yourselves.
Katrien SERRIEN
