092920 – World Status Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues 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.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Armenia * GC.CA * In September 2020, armed clashes occurred between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armed forces have been mobilized and the tense situation could heighten the risk of ongoing conflict. Armenian authorities have declared martial law. Certain airlines have temporarily suspended their services to and from the country. If you are in Armenia: avoid all travel to the region of Nagorno–Karabakh, the surrounding areas and within 5 km of the border with Azerbaijan, monitor local media for the latest information, follow the instructions of local authorities, contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. 
• Armenia * GOV.UK * Armenia has declared a nationwide state of emergency following widespread military activity on the Line of Contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. Among other restrictions, this prohibits mass gatherings, introduces curbs on the spread of information about the situation from unofficial sources, and provides extra powers for police and other civil authorities to enforce public safety and order.
• Azerbaijan * GC.CA * In September 2020, armed clashes occurred between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Armed forces have been mobilized and the tense situation could heighten the risk of ongoing conflict. Azerbaijani authorities have declared martial law and a nationwide curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Authorities could restrict telecommunication services and suspend flights to certain destinations. If you are in Azerbaijan: avoid all travel to Nagorno–Karabakh, the surrounding areas and within 5 km of the border with Armenia, monitor local media for the latest information, follow the instructions of local authorities contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans.
• Azerbaijan * GOV.UK * Due to the ongoing military action on the Line of Conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh the Azerbaijani authorities have introduced Martial Law. This was introduced on 28 September until further notice and involves a curfew across Azerbaijan from 9pm to 6am. Several flights have also been cancelled in response to the introduction of Martial Law.
• Yemen * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020* Conflict. On 27 September, the UN office of the Special Envoy for Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross announced in a joint press statement that delegates representing the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah have agreed to immediately release a first group of 1,081 conflict-related detainees and prisoners, in accordance with the lists of agreed-upon names. The parties also renewed their commitment, as per their agreement made in Stockholm in 2018, to release all prisoners, detainees, missing persons, arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared persons, and those under house arrest.

Crime

• France * GOV.UK * On 25 September, a knife attack took place in the Richard Lenoir area of the 11th arrondissement, in central Paris. The incident is over but the investigations in the area are ongoing. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local police.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Belarus * GOV.AU * Large demonstrations are occurring following the Presidential election. Protesters have clashed with security forces. There has been casualties and protesters have been detained. Further demonstrations could occur without notice and turn violent. Avoid the area and follow the advice of local authorities.
• New Caledonia * GOV.AU * A second independence referendum will be held on 4 October 2020. Avoid all demonstrations, protests, large public gatherings and roadblocks that may occur ahead of, during or after the vote and follow the advice of local authorities. New Caledonia has lifted COVID-19 measures but you can only enter if you’re a New Caledonian resident or pre-approved visitor on a short-term business visit exemption. If you do enter, you’ll be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival.
• Nigeria * GOV.UK * National strikes are planned in Nigeria to commence from Monday 28 September. This brings increased likelihood of protests across the country and may impact the aviation industry’s ability to operate. Anyone with flights booked to arrive or depart Nigeria on 28 September should contact their airline for the latest information on flight operations. You should monitor local media, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security forces.
• Thailand * GOVT.NZ * There have been a number of political protest rallies across Thailand over recent weeks, including in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lampang, Nakhon Pathom and Phitsanulok.   Further rallies are anticipated, and some may occur at very short notice.   These rallies may disrupt traffic and commercial activity, and there may be a heightened security presence. In Bangkok, potential protest locations include the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Ratchaphrasong Shopping District Skywalk near the MBK building, Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, Lumpini Park and university campuses.    Further protests are planned over the upcoming weeks.

Health

• Africa * CDC * Measles. Some countries in Africa are reporting increased numbers of cases (outbreaks) of measles. All travelers to Africa, including infants and pre-school aged children, should be fully vaccinated against measles, according to CDC immunization schedules.
• Chad * CDC * Chikungunya. There is an outbreak of chikungunya in Chad. You can protect yourself against chikungunya disease by preventing mosquito bites.
• Chad * WHO * Chikungunya. From July through 20 September 2020, a total of 27 540 cases were reported in three provinces, distributed as follows: 24 302 cases in the health district of Abéché, 3237 cases in the health district of Biltine, and one case in the health district of Abdi. One death has been reported to date in district of Abéché.
• Fiji * CDC * Leptospirosis. There is an outbreak of leptospirosis in Fiji. To prevent leptospirosis, travelers should avoid swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine and avoid contact with potentially infected animals.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 20-26 September 2020, week 39 * West Nile Virus. Between 18 and 24 September 2020, EU Member States reported 34 human cases of WNV infection: Greece (14), Italy (9), Spain (6) and Germany (5). Three regions in Germany reported locally-acquired human cases of WNV infection for the first time (regions of Barnim, Ostprignitz-Ruppin and Saalekreis). All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, seven deaths were reported by Greece ( 3), Italy (3) and Spain (1). No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported from EU neighbouring countries. On 24 September 2020, Spanish public health authorities reported the first locally-acquired human WNV infection in the province of Badajoz. This case has not yet been reported through TESSy and is therefore not currently represented on the maps and in the Surveillance Atlas.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 20-26 September 2020, week 39 * Chikungunya virus disease: The virus is widespread in the Americas region, with several countries reporting cases in 2020. Chikungunya virus disease cases have also been reported in Asia and Africa during this period. Since the previous CDTR update in August 2020, Brazil, Chad and Thailand have reported the majority of new cases.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 20-26 September 2020, week 39 * Dengue: Since the beginning of the year, the countries reporting most cases are Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.
• Nicaragua * GOV.UK * A rise in cases of Malaria has been reported on the North Caribbean coast. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• The Americas * CDC * Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Chad * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020 * Floods. An estimated 274,816 people have been affected by recent floods occurring throughout August and September in several areas of Chad, as reported by UN OCHA on 25 September. In N’Djamena Capital City, the number of fatalities stands at 10, while 5,812 families have been affected. Floods affected more than 16,000 household in the eastern and central provinces and about 17,000 families in southern Provinces. In Lac Province (central-eastern Chad), close to 7,000 household have been affected and are currently displaced. There is urgent need to assist the affected population with food, WASH, nonfood items and livelihood. Light to moderate rain is forecast over southern Chad on 28-30 September. The European Union has already allocated EUR 0.5 million in humanitarian funding to contribute to the response.
• Ghana * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020* Floods. Floodings triggered by heavy rain were reported across Ashanti Region (southern Ghana) on 24-25 September, resulting in a fatality and damage. Media report that the fatality occurred in Kumasi regional capital, where several residents have been displaced and a number of houses, and infrastructure were damaged. Over the next 24 hours, light rain is forecast over southern Ghana, including Ashanti.
• India * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020 * Floods. Incessant rain in Nepal and India has resulted in flooding in Assam, Bihar and Meghalaya. In these three states, 13 districts (Assam 09; Bihar 01 and Meghalaya 03) have been flooded, affecting approximately 240,000 people (Assam reporting 225,030 people affected). In Meghalaya, at least 13 death have been recorded due to floods and landslides and 5 people are missing. During the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers are expected over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and parts of West Assam.
• Italy * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020 * Severe weather. Severe weather, including heavy rain, strong wind, hailstorms and storm surge, has been affecting several Regions of Italy over the past 72 hours, causing casualties and damage. The most affected Regions are: Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, Tuscany, Campania, Sardinia, and Sicily. Media report as of 28 September, one fatality (a rescuer from National Coast Guard) in Messina Province (Sicily) and a number of displaced families in Salerno Province (Campania). Damaged houses, and several flooded roads were also reported in Napoli, and Avellino Provinces (Campania), as well as across southern Sardinia. Over the next 24 hours, moderate to locally heavy rain is forecast over north-eastern, central, and southern Italy mainland, as well as over Sardinia, and Sicily. Locally very heavy rain and strong wind are also forecast over Campania, Basilicata, and Calabria Regions. The Italian Civil Protection has issued an orange alert over these three Regions, and over central-northern Sardinia, valid for 28 September.
• Multi-country * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020 * Floods. Georgia: Threshold level 2/2 exceeded for Tskhenisckali – Ludji station. Italy: Warning level 2/3 for Calabria region.
• Multi-country * ECHO Daily Flash of 28 September 2020 * Forest fires danger forecast. Medium or high danger in Spain, Southern Italy, southern France, Cyprus, Bulgaria, east Romania, Turkey, Ukraine.
• South Africa * DOS * Parts of South Africa are experiencing a drought. Water supplies in some areas may be affected. Residential water-use restrictions are in place in Cape Town and other municipalities. Read the country information page.

Other

• Ethiopia * GOV.UK * The celebrations of ‘Meskel’ (26 and 27 September) and ‘Irreecha’ (first weekend of October) attract large crowds at religious sites around the country and at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places. There will be an increased police and security presence during this period.
• Lebanon * GOV.AU * The 4 August explosions have caused widespread damage and casualties in Beirut. Hospitals are under strain. Protests are taking place in Beirut, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests and Beirut’s port area. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are increasing. Local authorities have announced restrictions including a night-time curfew and closure of some venues. Masks are mandatory in public; you’ll be fined if you don’t wear one. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. Remain alert and contact your family and friends to let them know you’re safe. If you’re unable to reach them or need urgent consular assistance call the Embassy or our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo * Communicable disease threats report, 20-26 September 2020, week 39 * Ebola. Since the last update and as of 22 September 2020, one additional case and no new deaths have been reported from Equateur Province in the DRC. The new case was reported on 18 September 2020 in Lotumbe health zone. Due to the risk of spread of Ebola between the DRC and the Republic of Congo, the two countries are strengthening the mechanisms of cross-border collaboration.

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.