090419 – World Status Report

When traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, set up your institutional safety net and prepare for an emergency as a standard step of all your travels.  Find more information in the Traveler Best Practices webpage.

The risk information in this report is retrieved from U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Kidnapping

• Burkina Faso – GOV.AU – Due to high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping, ‘do not travel’ to the northeastern regions towards Ouagadougou (including parts of Toma, Yako, Kaya and Boulsa). Reconsider your need to travel to Burkina Faso overall.
• Mali – GOV.AU– Due to high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping, do not travel to the northern parts of Kayes and Koulikoro regions in the centre west of Mali. Reconsider your need to travel to parts of southern Mali and do not travel to any other areas, including Bamako.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• United States – GC.CA – Avoid nonessential travel to the U.S. east coast, from the Volusia and Brevard County line, in Florida, to the North Carolina and Virginia border, due to hurricane Dorian. This includes Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Gaza and the West Bank, Israel – GOV.UK – On 1 September 2019 there was an exchange of fire between the militant group Hizballah and the Israeli Defence Force, across the Blue Line with material damage but no reported injuries on either side; keep up to date with the news and monitor travel advice.
• Israel, Gaza and the West Bank – GOV.AU – On 1 September, Hezbollah and Israel exchanged fire on the border between Lebanon and Israel. Tensions remain high and further confrontation is possible, including missiles fired towards Israeli territory. An outbreak of heightened conflict between Israel and Hezbollah would significantly increase risks to your safety and security.
• Lebanon – GOV.AU – An exchange of fire on the border between Lebanon and Israel occurred on 1 September, monitor the media for latest information, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Syria – UN News – Despite ISIL’s territorial defeat in Syria, the terrorist group, also known as Da’esh “continues to aspire to global relevance”, the United Nations top counterterrorism officials told the Security Council on Tuesday.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Bolivia – GOV.UK – There are currently blockades in and around the town of Uyuni; trips to the salt flats have been affected; if you’re planning travel to the area, check local advice before travelling; don’t attempt to cross blockades.
• Cameroon – GOV.UK – Political developments and increased tensions related to the North West and South West (Anglophone) regions could lead to isolated incidents of violence in other parts of the country, including Yaoundé. This could affect western interests, as well as places frequented by foreigners. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with developments via the media and local authorities.
• Sudan – GC.CA – On August 26, 2019, Sudan’s sovereign council declared a state of emergency and imposed curfews in Port Sudan. Since August 21, 2019, intertribal clashes have led to deaths and injuries. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

Demonstrations

• Botswana – GC.CA – National and local elections are due to take place on October 23, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Hong Kong – GC.CA – Hong Kong International Airport has implemented restrictions on access to its terminal buildings. Only passengers with valid air tickets or boarding passes are allowed to enter the terminal buildings. Arriving passengers are greeted at designated points outside of the main terminal. Check your flight status and the latest information provided by your airline before making your way to the airport. Plan to get to the airport well in advance of your flight’s planned departure and go through Security and Immigration immediately upon arrival
• Hong Kong – GOV.UK – You should be prepared that the situation around protests and public gatherings could change quickly, with the potential for significant violence, especially during unauthorised protests. Protests can deviate from planned routes or rally locations and spill over into nearby public spaces, such as shopping centres, housing estates and metro (MTR) stations. Unauthorised protests have been met by a more rapid and severe police response, including heavy use of tear gas. If you are in and around areas where any demonstrations are taking place, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and move away quickly to a safe place if there are signs of disorder.
• Hong Kong – GOV.AU – More protests are planned, some of which are not authorised. There is an ongoing risk of violent confrontation. There are reports that authorities are considering additional measures in response. If you are in Hong Kong, be alert. Avoid protests and demonstrations. If there are signs of disorder, move away quickly to a safe place. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Indonesia – GOV.UK – Political tensions have given rise to occasional mass demonstrations in cities in Papua and protests have most recently (August 2019) taken place in several locations including Manokwari, Jayapura, Timika and Fakfak regency. There are reports of difficulties with internet connections and communications may be limited. You should monitor local media, avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies in these and other areas as they could become violent with little notice.
• Malawi – U.S. Department of State – Scheduled political demonstrations have recently occurred in several cities and towns in Malawi. On occasion, acts of vandalism and looting have accompanied these demonstrations, and police have responded by deploying tear gas. Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
• Malawi – GOV.UK – Since elections in May 2019, Malawi has seen widespread demonstrations, which have on occasion turned violent; if you’re in Malawi, avoid large crowds or demonstrations, monitor travel advice and local media for updates and keep any local and international travel plans under review.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Benin – GOV.UK – Additional checks are in place at the Seme border crossing between Benin and Nigeria; if you’re planning to make a land crossing from Benin to Nigeria, check with local authorities for the latest information before travelling.
• Benin, Nigeria– GOV.AU​​ – Benin’s border with Nigeria can close at short notice. Check with local authorities before travelling.
• Cyprus – U.S. Department of State – Do not attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN forces strictly enforce this restriction.
• Cyprus – GOV.AU – You can only legally enter Cyprus through airports and seaports in the Republic of Cyprus government controlled areas. You can be refused entry if immigration officials have concerns about previous or planned travel to, accommodation or activities (including but not limited to commercial, academic or employment) in the Turkish controlled north.

Health

• Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen – ECDC – Cholera. Several countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia have reported cholera outbreaks. Major ongoing outbreaks are reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Yemen.
• China – ECDC – One new human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) was reported in August 2019 from China. The case is a 59 year old woman from Beijing who was hospitalised in critical condition on 11 August 2019. This is the first human case of A(H5N6) reported from Beijing and the first reported case in 2019.
• Costa Rica – GC.CA – Some people died after consuming adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica during the summer of 2019. Bottles were quickly withdrawn from the market, however: be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol, be wary of lesser known/illegal brands, seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.
• Dengue Advisory – CDC – Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
• Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia – ECDC– Vibriosis. As of 29 August 2019, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea was identified as medium to high in Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland), Koszalin and Ustka (Poland) and on the coast bordering Kaliningrad (Russia) and Klaipeda (Lithuania). For the next five days, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth will increase in the monitored area. It is considered to be medium to high in Arkona Basin (Denmark and Germany), all of Poland’s coastline, Gdansk Bay (Poland and Russia), the Eastern Gotland Basin (Latvia and Lithuania) and Pärnu (Estonia). About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Certain Vibrio species can also cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water.
• Ghana – CDC– There is a polio outbreak in Ghana. CDC recommends that all travelers to Ghana be vaccinated fully against polio.
• Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia, – ECDC – West Nile virus. From 22 to 29 August 2019, EU Member States reported 52 human cases in Greece (38), Romania (7), Hungary (4), Cyprus (2) and Bulgaria (1). An additional four cases were reported in the EU neighbouring Serbia. All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week seven deaths were reported in Greece.  From weeks 33 to 35, seven outbreaks in equids were reported in the Animal Disease Notification System by Greece (5), Italy (1) and Hungary (1).
• New Zealand – GOV.AU – There’s an outbreak of measles in New Zealand. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go.
• South Africa – GOV.UK – Medical tourism. If you choose to attend a rehabilitation centre in South Africa; do extensive research in advance, ensure you have the appropriate visa for your stay and have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
• Spain – ECDC – Listeriosis. The Spanish Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of listeriosis associated with the consumption of roasted pork meat produced by a company in Seville. Cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in different regions in Spain, with the majority of cases reported in Andalusia.
• Vietnam – GOV.UK – We have been advised by Vietnamese officials that test results for hazardous chemicals, following the fire at a light bulb factory in the Thanh Xuân district of Hanoi, are within safe limits. Testing will continue and people living in areas close to the factory should take precautionary sanitary measures, including cleaning the home and avoiding using food or water from that area which has been open to the environment.

Law and Culture

• Burkina Faso –  GOV.UK – On 31 December 2018, the President of Burkina Faso declared a partial state of emergency covering the whole of the Est and Sahel regions, the western provinces of Kossi and Sourou, the centraleastern province of Koulpélogo, the western province of Kénédougou and northern province of Lorum. This followed a terrorist attack in Sourou province on 27 December, which killed 10 gendarmes. The measure gives security forces extra powers to search homes and restrict freedom of movement. On 11 January 2019, parliament extended the state of emergency for 6 months, and extended it again on 11 July for a further 6 months.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• China – GOV.UK – Tropical storm Podul reached the far south of China on Thursday or Friday (29 / 30 August). Heavy rain can cause landslides, also high winds and dangerous seas. Check local news coverage and follow the advice of the local authorities if travelling in affected areas.
• Drought Advisory – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange in these countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, China, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Chile. The Drought alert level is Red in these countries: India, Sri Lanka
• Japan – GC.CA – Typhoon Lingling is expected to sweep Okinawa prefecture’s southern Ryukyu Islands on September 4 and 5, 2019. The typhoon is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you reside in the affected areas: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Japan – GOV.UK – Heavy rain warnings issued on 28 August for Kyushu region have been lifted, but evacuation orders remain in place in some towns due to the possible risk of landslides; you should follow local media and the Japan Meteorological Agency for weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services, including any evacuation orders.
• The Bahamas – GOV.AU – The US National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Warning for Hurricane Dorian for northwestern Bahamas, including New Providence, and a Hurricane Watch for Andros Island.  Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Grand Bahama and Abaco. If you are in The Bahamas, then exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• United States – GOV.UK – Hurricane Dorian is affecting the southeast coast of the USA. Life threatening storm surge and hurricane force winds are possible along portions of the Florida east coast. States of emergency have been declared in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia. Further advice has been issued by state authorities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Monitor the progress of approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website and follow instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. If you’re due to travel, you should contact your travel provider for the latest travel updates as some airports and seaports in the region are closing whilst the storm passes.
• United States – GOV.AU – Hurricane Dorian is predicted to impact Florida and the southeastern United States as a major hurricane at the start of the week beginning 3 September. If you’re in the area, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• United States – GOVT.NZ – Due to the impact of Hurricane Dorian, The Governor of Florida has declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida. Some parts of Georgia and Florida are also under states of emergency and curfews are in effect in some areas. It is advised to check local media and official communications such as the emergency services to find out if the area that you are in is under a state of emergency and/or curfew. There have been many flight cancellations and disruptions over the weekend and this will continue this week. Contact your airline or travel agent directly to find out if your travel plans have been disrupted.

Other

• Mozambique – GOV.UK – His Holiness Pope Francis is visiting Maputo from 4 to 6 September 2019 and will have engagements at the Palacio da Ponta Vermelha, Maxaquene Pavilion, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Zimpeto Hospital, Zimpeto Stadium and Maputo airport. There will be traffic restrictions and road closures in place from 8am on 5 September until 6 September. Areas affected include Avenida Julius Nyerere, Avenida 24 de Julho, Avenida Vladimir Lenine, Avenida Zedequias Manganhela, Maxaquene Pavilion and Catedral/Idependencia square. If you’re attending events during the papal visit, follow the instructions and advice of municipality police and remain vigilant, criminals will often exploit large crowds.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – CDC – There is an outbreak of Ebola in the North Kivu (Kivu Nord) and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – CDC – The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued this week with similar transmission intensity to the previous six weeks, with an average of 77 cases per week.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo  – ECDC – Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 28 August 2019, WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congohave reported 70 additional confirmed cases. During the same period, 41 confirmed deaths were reported. Among the new reported cases in the past week, two were healthcare workers. On 28 August 2019, the total number of confirmed and probable cases passed 3000 cases, with over 2000 confirmed and probable deaths reported since the beginning of the outbreak.
• Uganda – ECDC – Ebola. On 29 August 2019, one new imported case was confirmed in Bwera, Kasese District in Uganda. The case is a nine year old girl of Congolese origin who travelled with her mother to Uganda to seek medical care. She was detected as symptomatic at the point of entry and directly taken to an Ebola treatment unit, where she was isolated. The Ugandan Minister of Health stated on 30 August 2019 that upon the request of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both mother and child will be repatriated back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to receive treatment there.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.