The start of the mobilization of the ORPC Valavran took place at the command post and the public shelter of Valavran. The space in these premises was then considered sufficient given the limited number of civil protection personnel involved. As the number of staff increased, alongside the deterioration of the health situation in the canton of Geneva due to the pandemic, it became difficult to follow the recommendations of the OFSP in these confined spaces.
Fears within the troop
Within an increasingly large troop, criticism began to be expressed, fueled by a legitimate fear of catching the virus while being hired to serve the Geneva population. Especially since at the same time, companies of the Swiss Army were placed in quarantine. Some tense discussions took place and press articles mentioning similar problems in another ORPC increased the criticism and fears.
On 19.03.2020, the army announced that it was prohibiting its troops from using underground shelters for health reasons. Aware of the risks even before this announcement, the Valavran ORPC staff quickly began looking for a place of retreat on the surface large enough to accommodate the entire troop, an advanced command post as well as a refectory, a dormitory in the event of 24/7 engagement of the troop and a kitchen. There was also a significant need for parking for personnel’s vehicles and those of the ORPC, in addition to access to public transport. In short, a place capable of welcoming more than 100 people simultaneously while respecting health rules and social distancing as well as easily accessible.
Discussions followed by relocation
Several places were analyzed (Valérie school in Pregny-Chambésy, La Fontaine school center in Chambesy, La Tour school in Grand-Saconnex, the Ecogia center and the Ami-Argand school in Versoix, the Bellevue school, the Genthod school and the Colombières CO).
On Sunday 22.03.2020, the DIP gave authorization to ORPC Valavran to invest in the Colombières CO. More precisely its aula, its three gymnastics rooms as well as the adjoining premises. A real relief for ORPC Valavran and for his troop. Above all, it was a very important breath of fresh air for everyone at a time when fear linked to the pandemic was at its peak. This trip allowed everyone to feel safe in order to carry out the missions received.
Beneficial signaling
Due to the gradual resumption of classes at the CO des Colombières on 11.05.2020, the ORPC Valavran moved to the Versoix parish center. In one day, all the equipment useful for the proper functioning of the ORPC was moved.
There the ORPC Valavran was once again able to benefit from spaces large enough to respect social distances. Both for troop meetings and meals. The refectory was in fact used for these two functions.
In the basement, the spaces were used by Transport, Telematics and Equipment.
