102020 – 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

• France * GOV.UK * French police are investigating a potential terrorist incident in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (Yvelines department), which resulted in a fatality. Although reports suggest that the incident is over, you should follow police advice to avoid the area whilst investigations are continuing.
• South Korea * GOV.UK * The level of tension between North and South Korea, and the security situation, can change with little notice. Tensions have usually arisen around the time of South Korean-US military exercises. In the past, heightened tensions haven’t affected daily life.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Bolivia * GOV.UK * The political and security situation remains uncertain across Bolivia following an extended period of wide-scale political demonstrations and civil unrest since disputed elections in October 2019, and the resignation of the President and senior public officials on 10 November. An interim government is now in place ahead of fresh elections, which will take place on 18 October.
• Chile * GOV.UK * 18 October marks a year since the start of widespread and, at times violent, political and social protests across Chile. Chileans will go the polls to vote on a new Constitution on 25 October. There remains a high likelihood of protests – with potential for accompanying violence – on, and around, 18 and 25 October. Please follow local guidance and avoid areas of protest.
• Côte d’Ivoire * GOV.UK * Demonstrations, road blocks and protests have taken place across the country since the start of the election campaign on 15 October. You should exercise caution and avoid large political rallies and gatherings, areas of demonstrations and protests. Curfews may be put in place at short notice. Further protests are likely ahead of the Presidential election on 31 October.
• Guinea * GOV.UK * Demonstrations are likely to continue following the 18 October presidential elections. You should exercise caution and be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, staying clear of demonstrations and monitor local media. “Villes mortes” (general strikes) happen intermittently. Public gatherings and demonstrations can happen with little or no notice and can quickly turn violent.
• Guinea * GOV.UK * Political tensions are high. Demonstrations are likely to continue following the presidential elections that were held on 18 October. Public gatherings and demonstrations can be called with little or no notice and can quickly turn violent. You should avoid the demonstrations and crowds, remain aware of your surroundings, moving quickly to a safe place if you see signs of disturbances or unrest, and monitor the local media for any changes.
• Indonesia * GC.CA * Violent demonstrations have been taking place in several cities since the new Indonesian labour law was approved by Parliament on October 5, 2020. These demonstrations could continue. If you are in Indonesia: avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on the current situation. 
• Indonesia * GOV.UK * The overall political situation is stable, but internal developments, such as elections, presidential inaugurations and external developments, including in the Middle East, can trigger public protests or unrest. You should avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies as they could turn violent with little notice. Nationwide student protests took place in 2019, again in 2020, and have the potential to reoccur at any time. You should avoid large gatherings in public areas, including demonstrations, student and political rallies. 
• Kyrgyzstan * GC.CA * Protests have been occurring in several cities since the parliamentary elections, held on October 4, 2020. In Bishkek, protesters broke into the Parliament building. Clashes between protesters and security forces have occurred, resulting in injuries. Police have used tear gas, water cannon and stun grenades to disperse crowds. A curfew is in effect in Bishkek from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice. The political situation remains volatile and unpredictable. If you are currently in Kyrgyzstan: avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on the current situation.
• Mali * GOV.AU * The situation in Mali following the military coup is calm but could deteriorate quickly. Regional borders remain closed until further notice. This may limit commercial flights. Contact your travel provider for details. You will need to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test less than 72 hours old on arrival at the airport or be tested at the airport. The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Mali.
• Nigeria * GC.CA * Protests calling for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit have occurred since the beginning of October 2020 in several cities in the country, including in Abuja and Lagos. Roadblocks are disrupting transportation and access to essential services in the capital. Access to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos may also be blocked without notice. Clashes have occurred between protesters and police, resulting in casualties. Further protests are likely. If you are in Nigeria: remain cautious, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, expect a heightened security presence, allow extra time to reach your destination, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Nigeria * GOV.AU * Ongoing protests are occurring in Abuja, Lagos and other locations in Nigeria. Avoid these locations and follow the advice of local authorities. Land borders are closed. However, if you’re allowed to enter Nigeria, you need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken in the 120 hours before you depart. You’ll need to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days. A nationwide curfew and strict hygiene measures are in place.
• Tanzania * GOV.UK * General elections are scheduled to take place on 28 October 2020. We expect these to take place peacefully. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies.
• Thailand * GC.CA * A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok on October 15, 2020, in response to the recent demonstrations. Gatherings of 5 people or more as well as the publication of information that could be viewed as a threat to national security are prohibited. Law enforcement officials have the right to arrest and detain anyone suspected of threatening national security. Large demonstrations have been taking place in Bangkok and across the country since the summer of 2020. There are social tensions and demonstrations are likely to continue. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. If you are currently in Thailand: expect a heightened security presence in several areas, carry identification documents at all times, avoid large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on the evolving situation.
• Thailand * GOV.UK * As of 0400 on Thursday 15 October, a ‘Declaration of a Serious Emergency Situation in Bangkok’ is in place. It will remain until further notice. Gatherings in Bangkok of five or more people are prohibited. The publication of news or online messages that “may create fear and are deemed to harm national security” is prohibited. Security officials have the right to arrest, detain and seize the property of anyone suspected of threatening national security. You should follow the instructions of local security officials.
• Thailand * GOV.AU * A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok in response to recent protests. The security environment can be unpredictable and turn violent. Monitor local news and avoid public gatherings. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Foreigners can’t enter or transit Thailand except in extremely limited circumstances (see ‘Travel’). There are limited flights out of Thailand. Follow the Australian Embassy social media accounts for regular updates on flight options for leaving Thailand (see ‘Local contacts’ for links).

Health

• Belgium * Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 October 2020, week 42 *  Malaria. Belgium reported two locally acquired cases of the malaria parasite in a municipality close to Brussels Zaventem international airport and to Melsbroek airport.
• French Guiana * WHO * Oropouche virus (OROV). On 30 September 2020, the French Guiana Regional Health Agency (ARS) reported the first detection of Oropouche virus (OROV) in French Guiana. On 22 September 2020 the Pasteur Institute in Cayenne (a member of the French National Reference Laboratory for arboviruses) notified the France IHR National Focal Point of seven laboratory-confirmed cases of Oropouche virus infection in the village of Saül. These cases were identified following clinical investigations of an unusually high number of dengue-like illnesses in the village. Between 11 August and 25 September, there were 37 clinically-compatible cases of Oropouche virus disease identified in Saül. The results of serology for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika were negative, and seven of nine cases tested positive for OROV by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 October 2020, week 42 * West Nile Virus. Between 9 and 15 October 2020, EU Member States reported 14 human cases of WNV infection: Italy (11), Greece (2) and Bulgaria (1). Pazardzhik Province in Bulgaria reported a locally-acquired human case of WNV infection for the first time through TESSy. All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, three deaths were reported by Italy (2) and Bulgaria (1). No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported from EU neighbouring countries. On 9 October 2020, Spanish health authorities published an updated rapid risk assessment stating that the confirmation of the introduction of WNV lineage 2 in Spain this summer, after the detection of three cases in wild birds in Lleida and Tarragona, highlights the risk that human cases associated with this lineage might be detected in this area. On 15 October 2020, Dutch health authorities reported the first locally-acquired human WNV infection in the Netherlands. The patient had no travel history and it is suspected that he may have contracted the virus through a mosquito bite in the region of Utrecht. In this region, WNV-infected birds and mosquitoes have been detected in August and September. As this case has been reported through TESSy yet, it is currently not represented on the maps and in the Surveillance Atlas.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 October 2020, week 42 * Influenza. Between 5 October and 11 October 2020, influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 October 2020, week 42 * Polio. Since the previous update, and as of 13 October 2020, 150 cases of polioviruses (WPV1 and cVDPV2) have been reported, 24 of which were caused by the WPV1 strain, and 126 by the cVDPV2 strain. Wild poliovirus (WPV1): 12 cases of AFP caused by WPV1 have been reported in Afghanistan. 12 cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) caused by WPV1 have been reported in Pakistan. 67 WPV1 environmental samples have also been detected: 62 in Pakistan and five in Afghanistan. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV): No new cases of cVDPV1 have been reported. 126 cases of AFP caused by cVDPV2 have been reported from 16 countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo (30), Guinea (21), Afghanistan (18), Pakistan (12), Sudan (10), Chad (9), Burkina Faso (7), Cote d’Ivoire (4), Mali (4), Niger (3), South Sudan (3), Somalia (1), Cameroon (1), Central African Republic (1) Ethiopia (1), and Ghana (1). No new cases of cVDPV3 have been reported. 70 cVDPV2 environmental samples have also been detected: 33 in Afghanistan, 21 in Pakistan, five in Somalia, five in Sudan, two in Cameroon, one in Democratic Republic of the Congo, one in Egypt, one in Mali and one in Nigeria.
• Spain * CDC * West Nile Virus. There is an outbreak of West Nile virus in Spain. You can protect yourself against West Nile virus by preventing mosquito bites.
• The Americas * CDC * Dengue. 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.

Law and Culture

• Cayman Islands * GOV.UK * Last year a judicial ruling legalised marriage between same sex couples but the Cayman Islands Government appealed the decision. The Court of Appeal overturned the ruling and an appeal has been lodged with the Privy Council, which is due to be heard in early 2021. Same sex marriage is no longer legal in the Cayman Islands, however legislation was passed in September 2020 legalising civil partnerships. Hotels and resorts are generally welcoming, regardless of sexual orientation. Local attitudes can be conservative and some people may not approve of public displays of affection between same-sex couples. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Cambodia * GC.CA * The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can also hamper the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding can affect wide areas in numerous provinces, including certain parts of Phnom Penh. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Cambodia * GOV.UK * Due to recent heavy rains, there is an increased risk of flooding across the country with Battambang, Pursat and Steng Treng particularly badly hit. Flash floods have also hit other provinces including, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh. You should take extra care when travelling.
• Europe * ECHO Daily Flash of 19 October 2020 * Floods and flood warnings. Croatia: threshold level 2/4 exceeded for the Sava river. Czechia: threshold level 2/3 exceeded for Opava and Svartka river. Georgia: threshold level 2/2 exceeded for Tshenisckali – Ludji station. Hungary: threshold level 3/3 exceded for the Hernád and Sajó river. Iceland: threshold level 2/3 exceeded for 2 catchments in western part of the country. Poland: threshold level 2/2 exceeded for 1 station in the center and 30 in the south-west of the country. Slovakia: threshold level 3/3 exceeded for Morava river, 2/3 for Hornád river. Slovenia: treshold level 1/1 exceeded for the Ljubjanica river. United Kingdom: treshold level 2/3 for Nothsea coast regions for 2 catchments.
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 19 October 2020 * Severe weather. Heavy rain and strong wind have been affecting central Indonesia (particularly Kalimantan, Java, and Bangka Belitung Islands) since 13 October, triggering floods and landslides that have resulted in damage. The AHA Centre, and the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) reports as of 19 October, 100 displaced, 175 affected people and 45 damaged buildings across the Sukabumi Regency (West Java Province) due to floods and landslides. In addition, 350 affected people, and 24 damaged buildings were reported across Bangka Belitung Island, as well as 125 displaced, 170 affected people and 34 damaged buildings across Barat Regency (Central Kalimantan Province), due to the floods. Moreover, 135 affected people, and 41 damaged buildings were reported across the Barito Kuala Regency (South Kalimantan Province) due to the strong wind. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rain is forecast over Bangka Belitung, most of Java and the whole Kalimantan, with locally very heavy rain over central and southern Kalimantan.
• Pacific Area * GOVT.NZ * The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November until 30 April. New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. We can also make contact with you following a significant cyclone to check on your well-being. If you are in an area affected by a cyclone, you should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter.
• Pakistan * ECHO Daily Flash of 19 October 2020 * Landslide. A massive landslide occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan Region (northern Pakistan) on 18 October, causing casualties and damage. Media report, as of 19 October, at least 16 fatalities due to the accident occurred to a bus in Tangus Village area, on the mountain road between Rawalpindi City (Punjab Province) and Skardu Town. The landslide followed heavy rain in the area and construction works on Skardu road to widen it. Over the next 24 hours, drier conditions are forecast over most of Pakistan.
• Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 19 October 2020 * Tropical depression NINETEEN. A newly formed tropical depression named NINETEEN (locally known as PEPITO) is moving north-west over the Philippine Sea, towards northern Luzon Island (Philippines). On 19 October, its center was located about 450 km south-east of the central-eastern coast of Samar Island (central Philippines), with maximum sustained wind of 46 km/h.  NINETEEN is forecast to strengthen as it moves north-west over the Philippine Sea. It is expected to make landfall on the morning of 20 October in the eastern coast of northern Luzon, close to Dilasag Municipality (Aurora Province), with maximum sustained wind up to 95 km/h (Tropical Storm). After that, NINETEEN is forecast to emerge in the South China Sea in the early morning of 21 October, as a Tropical Storm. A Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1 has been issued for coastal Aurora and Isabela Provinces (north-eastern Luzon). Over the next 24 hours, moderate rain to locally heavy rain is forecast over the central Philippines, from central Luzon to Caraga Region.
• Tanzania * ECHO Daily Flash of 19 October 2020 * Floods. Flooding triggered by heavy rain has been reported since 12 October in Dar es Salaam Region (central-eastern Tanzania), resulting in fatalities and damage. According to media, at least 12 people died in Ilala District and Msimbazi Valley. Several areas of Dar es Salaam have been flooded, causing transport and service disruptions. Light to moderate rain is forecast over north-western Tanzania on 19-21 October.
• Vietnam * ECHO Daily Flash of 19 October 2020 * Floods and landslides update. From 6 October, heavy rain has been affecting central Vietnam, triggering floods and landslides and leading to at least 84 fatalities and 32 missing people, as reported by UN Vietnam, and national authorities. On 18 October, a landslide occurred in Quang Tri Province (central Vietnam), killing at least 20 people and 27 others are missing. About 147 houses and more than 70 schools have been damaged or destroyed. At least 12,000 residents have been displaced and nearly 45,000 households remain affected in Quang Tri. Almost 1,000 people and 150 vehicles have been deployed to continue with search and rescue operations. Over the next 24 hours, locally heavy rain with thunderstorms is forecast over central southern Vietnam. DG ECHO is closely monitoring the situation and exploring the possibility of awarding funds to assist affected people.

Ebola News

• Congo * GOV.UK * An Ebola outbreak is ongoing in Equateur province in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Affected areas include Lilanga Bobangi and Bomongo on the DRC/Congo border. A separate outbreak of Ebola in Eastern DRC was declared over on 25 June 2020. If you are in these areas you should take precautions to minimise your risk of exposure. Further advice and latest updates are available on the World Health Organisation website.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo * Communicable disease threats report, 11-17 October 2020, week 42 * Ebola. Since the last update, and as of 14 October 2020, no additional cases and no new deaths have been reported from the Equateur Province in the DRC. In the past 21 days only one health zone, Makanza, has been active, with a single confirmed case on 28 September 2020. The Monieka health zone has had no confirmed or probable cases for over 42 days. Despite this outbreak showing signs of slowing down, there is evidence that it is still ongoing. The response remains challenging, e.g. contacts are lost to follow up, confirmed cases still remain in the community and there are difficulties in carrying out safe and dignified burials. On 14 October 2020, the FDA approved an antibody cocktail [REGN-EB3 (Inmazeb®)] by the pharmaceutical company Regeneron as the first FDA-approved treatment for Zaire ebolavirus. In 2019, a large clinical trial showed that Inmazeb was one of two treatments that showed superiority compared to other investigational agents (ZMapp and remdesivir) with respect to mortality; treatment was most effective when given early in the course of disease.

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.