092920 – COVID-19 Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 worldwide as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.

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.

Impact

• Bonaire * CDC * COVID-19 risk in Bonaire is high. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to Bonaire.
• Curaçao * CDC * COVID-19 risk in Curaçao is high. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to Curaçao.
• Multi-country *  Communicable disease threats report, 20-26 September 2020, week 39 * COVID-19. Since 18 September 2020 and as of 25 September 2020, 2 080 866 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (in accordance with the applied case definition in the countries) have been reported, including 37 375 new deaths. Globally, the number of cases has increased from 30 214 496 to 32 295 362, and the number of deaths has risen from 946 665 to 984 040. In the EU/EEA and the United Kingdom (UK), the number of cases has increased from 2 759 394 to 3 067 987 (+308 593 cases), and the number of deaths has risen from 185 533 to 187 876 (+2 343 deaths). More details are available here.
• Saba * CDC * COVID-19 risk in Saba is high. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to Saba.
• Sint Eustatius * CDC * COVID-19 risk in Sint Eustatius is high. CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential international travel to Sint Eustatius.

Preventative Measures

• British Virgin Islands * GOV.UK * The BVI Government have announced a further 7 day curfew to take effect from 24 September between the hours of 5am and 8pm. The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands also decided that persons will be prohibited from operating vessels in Territorial waters between 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. except for ferry operators who may travel between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Chile * GOV.AU * An overnight curfew is in place between 11pm and 5am. Some areas of Chile are moving out of quarantine, but our consular services remain limited. You can’t enter Chile unless you’re a Chilean citizen, a permanent resident of Chile or were given a humanitarian exemption by the Chilean Embassy or Consulate in Australia. If you’re in Chile and want to be informed of options to return to Australia (including possible commercial charter flights or commercial flights transiting via the USA, Europe and the Middle East), register with the Australian Embassy in Santiago de Chile and follow the Embassy on social media for updates and flights (see Local contacts).
• Egypt * DOS * Egypt has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Egypt.
• France * GOV.AU * France has introduced a new alert system to impose greater restrictions in areas with the highest number of COVID-19 cases, higher circulation of the virus and higher vulnerability. You must still wear a mask in enclosed public spaces and outdoors in areas of high vulnerability across France. Restrictions can change at short notice. Travel to France from some countries is currently permitted. You may need to present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) at boarding or undertake mandatory testing on arrival at the airport. You may be denied entry to France. A voluntary quarantine period applies to certain travellers (see ‘Travel’). Contact your airline or local authorities for the latest update.
• Israel, The West Bank and Gaza * DOS * Reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to COVID-19, travel restrictions, and quarantine procedures instituted by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority respectively. Exercise increased caution in Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. Do not travel to Gaza due to COVID-19, terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.   Some areas have increased risk. Read the county information page and this entire Travel Advisory.
• Italy * GOV.AU * If you’re in Italy, you can now move freely between all its regions. You’ll need to complete a self-declaration form before you travel to Italy. In all public spaces, you must follow social distancing protocols and use face coverings or protective masks in line with regional measures. Monitor and follow the advice of local authorities. For more information on measures, see Italian Ministry of Health website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (see Travel).
• Kuwait * DOS * Kuwait has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations) and business operations (including schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Kuwait. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Kuwait.
• Netherlands * GOV.UK * New measures came into effect on 20 September to address a rise in the number of coronavirus infections. These measures apply to the six regions that are currently seeing the sharpest rise in the number of infections – Amsterdam-Amstelland, Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Haaglanden (The Hague), Utrecht, Kennemerland and Hollands Midden. Three general measures apply to all six regions: Bars, restaurants and other establishments will not admit new guests after midnight, and guests must leave by 1:00 AM. Groups of more than 50 people are banned. This restriction applies both indoors and outdoors. There are some exceptions, such as demonstrations, religious gatherings, funerals, and dance and theatre. Organisers of gatherings of more than 50 people must notify the authorities beforehand.
• Peru * GOV.UK * On 15 March 2020, Peru announced a national State of Emergency, which has now been extended until 31 October 2020. The regulations are: A nationwide curfew between the hours of 11pm and 4am, A ban on the use of private cars on Sundays, Lockdown and an extended curfew, between the hours of 8pm and 4am Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sunday until 4am on Monday, starting on 1 October within the Ayacucho region, Huamanga province only; within the Apurimac region, Abancay province only; within the Huanuco region, Huanuco, province only. An extended curfew all day on Sunday until 4 am on Monday in the regions of Cusco, Puno, Moquegua and Tacna, social and family gatherings and visits are prohibited. Special measures are in place for those under 12 and over 65, and people at risk. Children under 12 must stay at home. Each day they are allowed to leave their house for 60 minutes but must remain within 500 meters of their house, and avoid crowded places. When outside, children must be accompanied by an adult who lives with them and maintain a two-meter social distance. People over 65 and those who have underlying health conditions must stay at home, with some exceptions; risk groups must not receive visits at home and must avoid the physical contact with people who leave their home. Everyone must wear face masks outside of homes. In addition to wearing a face mask, everyone must wear facial protectors (usually a clear plastic full-face covering) when on public transport.
• Republic of the Congo * DOS * The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19. The Republic of the Congo has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Republic of the Congo.
• Rwanda * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. You must wear a face covering in public. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined or detained.

Travel Restrictions

• Barbados * GOV.UK * On arrival, travellers from the UK will be required to quarantine at Barbados government approved facilities (hotel, villa or government facility) until a 2nd negative test is obtained.
• Belgium * GOV.AU * If you’re not an EU citizen or resident, you can only enter Belgium if your coming from the EU, Schengen Area or the UK, or for an essential purpose. Conditions apply. All travellers must complete a ‘Passenger Locator Form’ and you will need to quarantine and undertake COVID-19 (PCR) testing if you’ve travelled from a high-risk country or region, as specified by the Belgian Government. Social distancing and hygiene measures are in place. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Colombia *  GOV.AU * International flights have restarted in Colombia and foreign citizens are allowed to enter the country. Before you enter or leave Colombia, you must complete an online form and download the CoronApp for health monitoring (see Travel). If you’re flying to Colombia, a PCR COVID-19 test result is also required. All land, sea and river borders remain closed. Visa and entry permit suspensions have been lifted. If your permit has expired, contact Migración Colombia.
• Cook Islands * GOV.AU * The Cook Islands has declared itself COVID-19 free, but its borders remain closed to incoming passengers unless they are Cook Islands nationals. You must have been in New Zealand for 14 days before you arrive, and will also need to self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival. Its maritime borders are closed to all except pre-approved cargo vessels. For updates, go to the Cook Islands Ministry of Health website.
• Denmark * GOV.AU * Denmark has border restrictions in place and foreign travellers aren’t allowed to enter unless they are travelling from certain countries or have a worthy purpose. A quarantine period of 14 days is strongly encouraged, except in certain circumstances. Large gatherings are banned, and it’s a requirement to wear a mask in all Danish airports, as well as on all public transport. Expect travel disruptions. You may have to take a COVID-19 test at border crossings. Foreign travellers aren’t allowed to disembark from cruise ships in Denmark. Check with your travel provider or tour company on disruptions.
• Equatorial Guinea * DOS * Equatorial Guinea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Equatorial Guinea. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Equatorial Guinea.
• Fiji * DOS * Fiji has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Fiji. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Fiji.
• Ghana * DOS * Ghana has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations and re-opening of borders), and business operations. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Ghana.
• Hong Kong * GOV.UK * On 1 October, the UK will be added to the list of “specified high risk places” under the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap. 599H). Travellers who have visited these places (i.e. The United States, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa) within the past 14 days, will be required to provide confirmation of a hotel room reservation in Hong Kong for no less than 14 days, starting on the day of their arrival. Travellers from these destinations will also be required to provide negative nucleic acid test result for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure.
• Iceland * GOV.AU * Iceland’s borders are open to travellers from the UK, EU/EEA and Schengen states, as well as certain approved countries. All travellers to Iceland must either quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or have two COVID-19 tests, separated by five days of quarantine until the results of the second test are known. You’ll have to pay for these tests. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt from both testing and quarantine, as are persons who have been certified by the Icelandic health authorities. Transit passengers who do not leave the terminal facilities are also exempt. All travellers to Iceland must complete a registration form before arrival. Large gatherings are banned and you are required to wear a mask where social distancing is not possible, such as on flights and public transport.
• Japan * GOV.UK * From 1 October, non-Japanese nationals who need to move to Japan to study, work or join family should be able to do so, subject to necessary visa requirements. However, the number of people permitted to enter Japan on this ‘residence track’ will be restricted. Those arriving will need to provide written evidence of a negative Covid-19 test result conducted within 72 hours of their flight departure time if they have visited the UK or this list of countries in the last 14 days. They will also need to provide written assurance from their company or sponsor that quarantine measures will be followed upon arrival. Contact your nearest Japanese Embassy for more information.
• Jordan * GOV.UK * From 23 September, passengers arriving from red and yellow category countries are no longer subject to institutional quarantine, but will be required to complete one week of self-isolation should their PCR test be negative.
• Liechtenstein * GOV.UK * From 28 September, travellers who have visited the UK in the past 10 days will be required to quarantine for 10 days on entry to Liechtenstein, regardless of nationality. Travellers entering Liechtenstein from certain countries have to quarantine for ten days, regardless of nationality. 
• Malaysia * GOV.AU * Malaysia’s Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) will be in place until 31 December 2020. While the RMCO is in effect, ‘social visit pass’ (tourist visa) holders, whose pass expired after 1 January 2020, will be permitted to leave Malaysia without incurring any penalty. This applies to foreign nationals whose social visit passes expired after 1 January 2020 only. To travel to Malaysia, you’ll need a ‘Letter of Undertaking and Indemnity’ approved by your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission (see ‘Travel’). You’re not allowed to travel to Malaysia as a tourist. If you’re permitted to enter Malaysia, you must undertake mandatory 14 day quarantine at your own cost. Additional entry requirements, including COVID-19 testing and possible quarantine, are in place for travel from Sabah or Labuan to Sarawak.
• Mauritania * GOV.AU * Flights into and from Mauritania are available, although limited. Contact your airline or travel provider for further information. The night curfew has been lifted. Local authorities recommend that you avoid public gatherings, maintain social distancing and wear a mask.
• Nepal * GOV.AU * Nepal has imposed restrictions in affected districts across the country to prevent and control COVID-19. Limited international commercial flights are now operating. Foreign tourists will be allowed to enter Nepal from 17 October for mountain treks. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the Australian Embassy on Facebook (@australianembassynepal) and Twitter (@AusAmbNP) for regular updates.
• Nicaragua * GOV.UK * Flights to and from Nicaragua are currently limited. Avianca has started a limited series of flights to Miami and details are available directly from the airline or via a travel agent.
• Nigeria * DOS * Nigeria has resumed domestic and international commercial air travel. National land borders are not yet opened.  Business operations (including daycares and religious institutions) are slowly reopening in phases. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Nigeria.
• Norway * GOV.AU * Norway has border restrictions in place and only residents of EU/EEA and Schengen countries may enter. Borders are otherwise closed to foreign travellers who don’t have Norwegian residency or a work permit, though some exemptions may apply. Airports are operational and you can transit through Gardermoen (Oslo) Airport, but expect travel delays. A quarantine period of 10 days will apply to residents entering Norway unless returning from certain EU/EEA and Schengen countries. Most Norwegian ports won’t allow disembarkation of cruise ship passengers. Check with your travel provider about disruptions.
• Russia * GOV.AU * Foreign nationals arriving in Russia, including transit passengers, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result dated less than 72 hours prior to travel. If you’re travelling for work purposes you may be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Commercial flights are now operating to and from Russia via a limited number of routes. Contact your airline or travel provider for information. Some of Russia’s lockdown restrictions are easing, with most stores and services reopening in Moscow. Other regions may have different restrictions in place. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.UK * On 22 June 2020, the Saudi authorities announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, pilgrims from outside the Kingdom would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj in 2020. Hajj rites were performed by a very limited number of pilgrims who already reside in the Kingdom. A temporary suspension on Umrah remains in place. The Saudi authorities have announced plans to gradually allow pilgrims to perform Umrah at limited capacity. You should refer to the announcement for more details. The approximate dates for the 2021 Hajj are 17-22 July. British citizens wishing to perform Umrah or Hajj should follow announcements on FCDO official social media channels @ukinsaudiarabia and guidance from local authorities.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.AU * Saudi Arabia has commenced a phased re-opening of land, air and sea ports. To enter or depart Saudi Arabia, you’ll need either an exit and re-entry visa, a work permit, iqama or visit visa. A full opening of land, air and sea ports will not occur until early 2021. Recent missile and drone attacks from the military conflict in Yemen have targeted civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh. Most attacks have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems.  
• Slovenia * GOV.AU * You can enter Slovenia from countries with a low COVID-19 risk. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need to quarantine for 14 days on arrival and present a negative COVID-19 test to enter. You can transit through Slovenia but rules apply. Stay informed as restrictions can change at short notice. If you’re staying in Slovenia, follow the advice of local authorities.
• Switzerland * GOV.UK * From 28 September, travellers who have visited the UK in the past 10 days will be required to quarantine for 10 days on entry to Switzerland, regardless of nationality. Travellers who have visited Gibraltar or the British Virgin Islands within the past 10 days are required to quarantine for 10 days on entry.
• Thailand * GOV.UK * The Royal Thai Government’s visa amnesty for all visa types ended on 26 September 2020. If you are still in Thailand but do not have a valid visa you should speak to an Immigration Office immediately. Use your local one if possible as interpretation of immigration requirements may vary in different areas. If you do not hold a valid visa or have overstayed your visa you risk penalties such as fines or being detained at an immigration detention facility.
• Tunisia * GOV.AU * All visitors to Tunisia, regardless of where you arrive from, will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test in the 72 hours before your departure, and not more than 120 hours before you arrive in Tunisia. Other entry requirements vary depending on your country of residence, with country classifications updated weekly. If you travel to Tunisia despite our advice, you may need to spend time in quarantine. Other restrictions apply (see Travel). You must wear a face mask in public and in workplaces. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• United Arab Emirates * GOV.AU * If you’re entering or transiting the UAE, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result within four days before you travel. If you’re a Dubai resident, you’ll need an online approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) to enter. If you’re headed to Abu Dhabi, a 14 day quarantine either at home or at a designated facility is mandatory and you’ll be required to wear a medically approved wristband. Some exemptions apply (see ‘Travel). These requirements may change at short notice. Contact your airline directly for the latest update on entry or exit requirements.
• Zimbabwe * GOV.UK * There are limited commercial flights between the UK and Zimbabwe. Ethiopian Airlines have resumed flights from Harare to London, via Addis Ababa. Emirates and Kenyan Airways are expected to resume operations from the 1st October. You should check with the individual airline before booking. People returning to Zimbabwe are subject to a 14-day quarantine period at a government facility. Several private facilities have been approved by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health for people seeking an alternative to the government facilities. The Ministry of Health have not released a list of approved private facilities.

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.