GIA Reopens Five Labs as Lockdowns Ease
May 19, 20
(IDEX Online) - The GIA has reopened its labs in Antwerp, Carlsbad, Gaborone, Johannesburg and Tokyo as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Opening hours are limited and restrictions on face-to-face contact mean some centers will only accept diamonds by transport or by prior appointment.
The Gemological Institute of America labs in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Ramat Gan remain open.
London, Mumbai, New Delhi and Surat are still closed.
Visitors to the Johannesburg and Antwerp labs must make an appointment. Tokyo and Carlsbad will only accept and return items by transport.
"Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of all staff, clients and visitors," said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief research and laboratory officer.
"As we work to meet our clients' needs whenever and wherever possible, we are planning for the safe opening of all other GIA locations as soon as conditions and government authorities permit."