111720 – 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.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

• Ethiopia * GOV.UK * The FCDO now advise against all travel to the whole of Tigray regional state and within 30km of its borders with Amhara and Afar regional states. The FCDO advise against all travel within 30km of the border between Amhara and Tigray Regional States. The Ethiopian Federal Government have declared a State of Emergency in Tigray Regional State, following military clashes in Tigray and northern Amhara. There is ongoing military activity in northern Amhara. Explosions have been reported at military sites and airports in Gonder, Bahir Dar and Lalibela. Exercise extreme caution in these areas; stay away from military sites and airports wherever possible and comply with the instructions of the authorities. Flights across northern Ethiopia have been suspended at this time
• Ethiopia * GOV.UK * The FCDO now advise against all travel to the whole of Tigray regional state and within 30km of its borders with Amhara and Afar regional states and against all but essential travel to the Metekel zone of the Benishangul Gumuz region.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Austria * GOV.UK * Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Austria. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Bangladesh * GOV.UK * There are reports of several crude bombs placed near a polling centre during a by-election in the Uttara area of Dhaka. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with developments.
• Eritrea * GOV.UK * Explosions were reported in Asmara on 14 November at around 20:00 local time. These are believed to be related to the ongoing military conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia. You should exercise extreme caution; stay away from government and military sites and airports wherever possible; and comply with the instructions of the authorities.
• Ethiopia * GOV.AU * The Government of Ethiopia announced military action against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and declared a State of Emergency in the Regional State of Tigray.  Monitor the media, avoid crowds or protests and follow instructions issued by the authorities.
• Luxembourg * GOV.UK * Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Luxembourg. Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places visited by foreigners.
• Mozambique * GOV.AU * Terrorism is a continuing threat in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado where there’s an ongoing insurgency. Terrorists are likely to target westerners and western interests. Do not travel to Cabo Delgado due to the threat of terrorism, and ongoing clashes between armed groups and security forces. Be alert and follow the advice of local authorities.
• North Macedonia * GOV.UK * Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in North Macedonia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.UK * Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Daesh claimed responsibility for an attack on 11 November 2020 which targeted a ceremony in Jeddah, commemorating the end of World War I, using an explosive device attack. On 11 November 2019, a terrorist carried out a knife attack on artists performing on stage during Riyadh Season Festival, injuring four people. Opportunistic attacks on Saudi or western targets are also possible. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.UK * Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) claimed responsibility for an attack on 11 November 2020 which targeted a ceremony in Jeddah, commemorating the end of World War I, using an explosive device attack.
• Sudan * GOV.UK * On 5 November 2020, Sudan closed its border with Ethiopia following armed conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Sudanese Armed Forces have been deployed along the border in Gedaref and Kassala States and the FCDO advise against all but essential travel to within 20km of Sudan’s border with Ethiopia.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Armenia * GOV.UK * On 10 November, large groups of protesters have gathered in Yerevan following the announcement of a deal with Azerbaijan to end the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Avoid all demonstrations or large political gatherings. You should remain vigilant, keep up to date with developments and follow the advice and instructions of the local authorities.
• Brazil * GC.CA * Municipal elections are due to take place on November 15 and 29, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. They may turn violent without notice. Brazilian law prohibits political activities by foreigners. Participating in demonstration may result in jail sentences up to 3 years. You could also be deported.
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) * GC.CA * The situation is volatile and unpredictable in Côte d’Ivoire following the presidential elections held on October 31, 2020. A ban on demonstrations is in place until November 15, 2020. Major protests have been occurring in recent weeks in Abidjan and its suburbs. Clashes have occurred between protesters and security forces, resulting in casualties. Roadblocks have disrupted transportation and access to essential services. Demonstrations could continue. Local authorities may impose some restrictions such as local or regional curfews. If you’re in Côte d’Ivoire: remain cautious, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information.
• Georgia * GOV.UK * The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but demonstrations and opposition rallies can occur, particularly outside Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square in Tbilisi, as well as in other large towns. The opposition continue to call for demonstrations to protest the conduct and results of the 31 October Parliamentary elections. Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi is a popular venue, but rallies may be held elsewhere and can escalate without warning. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Mauritania * GC.CA * The Guergarat border crossing between Western Sahara and Mauritania has been blocked by demonstrators since October 21, 2020.
• Morocco * GC.CA * The Guergarat border crossing between Western Sahara and Mauritania has been blocked by demonstrators since October 21, 2020.
• Myanmar (Burma) * GOV.UK * Myanmar held national elections on 8 November 2020. There was no widespread civil unrest on the day of the elections. However, you should remain cautious and avoid all demonstrations and large political gatherings or crowds, particularly in the interim period until the new government is formed on 1 April 2021.
• Nigeria * GC.CA * Protests calling for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit led to violent incidents throughout the country in October 2020. Clashes between protesters and security forces occurred, resulting in several casualties. The situation is currently calm but it remains unpredictable. Roadblocks could disrupt transportation and access to essential services. Access to main airports could be blocked with short notice. If you are in Nigeria: remain cautious, 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.
• Nigeria * GOV.AU * Recent large-scale protests and violence in Nigeria resulted in state-wide curfews being imposed in Lagos and several other locations. While the daytime curfew has now been lifted in Lagos, curfew conditions can change at short notice (see ‘Safety’). You should exercise maximum caution due to the continuing potential for civil unrest and threats to personal safety. If you arrive at an international airport, you must keep your boarding pass and baggage claim with you due to COVID-19 contact tracing, baggage claim checks, and proof of travel requirements with local authorities.
• Peru * GC.CA * Due to recent political events, marches and protests are taking place across the country at main squares in Lima and other major cities of Peru. Clashes between protesters and police have occurred, and protests have turned violent. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on the ongoing situation.
• Peru * GOV.UK * Following a Congressional vote on 9 November, there are widespread public demonstrations taking place across the country including in the main squares and thoroughfares of Lima and other major cities. While organisers have called for demonstrations to remain peaceful, clashes between protesters and police have been reported, and protests can turn violent without warning. You should remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and follow local advice.
• Peru * GOV.AU * There are widespread protests across Peru in response to recent political events. There have been reports of police using tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations. Avoid protests and monitor local media for updates. A nationwide curfew and lockdown measures are in place. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor media for the latest updates. .
• Poland * GOV.UK * Large scale protests have been taking place across Poland since late October 2020 following a court ruling on abortion. Marches and gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed, but you should take extra care as in any crowded place. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. You should monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Slovakia * GC.CA * Certain groups are calling for demonstrations in Bratislava on November 15, 16 and 17, 2020 to commemorate the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Some of these rallies could be political in nature and could result in acts of violence and clashes with the security forces. The following locations are likely to be used as gathering places: Námestie Franca Liszta (Main train station), Námestie slobody, Hodžovo námestie, Námestie SNP, Hviezdoslavovo námestie, Námestie Alexandra Dubčeka. If you are in Slovakia, be vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.
• United States of America * GOV.AU * Protests and demonstrations continue in several US cities. Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for violence. Monitor the media for information and updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities. COVID-19 remains a serious health risk. Various restrictions and public health measures are in place and vary by location. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to quarantine, self-isolation, social-distancing and the wearing of masks. Monitor the Embassy website for further COVID-19 related information (see Local Contacts).

Health

• Africa * CDC * Polio. There are polio outbreaks in several countries in Africa. CDC recommends that all travelers to these countries be vaccinated fully against polio.
• Mauritania * WHO * Rift Valley Fever. The Ministry of Health (MoH) notified WHO that between 13 September and 1 October 2020, eight cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) including seven deaths were confirmed in animal breeders. Districts affected include Tidjikja and Moudjéria (Tagant region), Guerou (Assaba region) and Chinguetty (Adrar region). Laboratory confirmation of RVF infection was performed using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the National Institute for Public Health Research (INRSP) in Nouakchott. The age of infected patients varied between 16 and 70 years old and included one woman and seven men. All seven deaths occurred among hospitalised patients with fever and haemorrhagic syndrome (petechia, gingivorrhagia) and vomiting.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 8-14 November 2020, week 46 * West Nile virus. Between 6 and 12 November 2020, EU Member States reported no new human cases of WNV infection and no deaths through TESSy. EU neighbouring countries also did not report any human cases of WNV infection. On 11 November, Dutch health authorities reported that a total of seven people in the Netherlands were diagnosed with West Nile virus infections this year. One patient contracted WNV in the Arnhem region, the others were infected in the Utrecht region. The five newly reported patients in the Utrecht region all became infected in the months of July or August. The patient from the Arnhem region only contracted the virus in October, as the season was ending. As the case from Arnhem region has not been reported through TESSy yet, it is currently not represented on the maps and in the Surveillance Atlas.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 8-14 November 2020, week 46 * Measles. Since the previous monthly measles update in ECDC’s Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) on 9 October 2020, 13 new cases have been reported by four EU/EEA countries and UK: Germany (9), Ireland (1), Spain (2) and Sweden (1). No other countries reported new cases of measles. No new deaths have been reported by EU/EEA countries or the UK. Overall, two deaths have been reported in the EU/EEA and the UK in 2020, both from Bulgaria. Relevant updates outside the EU/EEA and the UK are available for the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO). On 6 November 2020, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an urgent call to action to avert major measles and polio epidemics as COVID-19 continues to disrupt immunization services worldwide, leaving millions of vulnerable children at heightened risk of preventable childhood diseases. Disclaimer: the monthly measles report published in the CDTR provides the most recent data on cases and outbreaks from the publicly available information of national public health authorities or media. This report is supplementary to ECDC’s monthly measles and rubella monitoring report, based on data routinely submitted by 30 EU/EEA countries and the UK to The European Surveillance System (TESSy). Data presented in the two monthly reports may differ.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 8-14 November 2020, week 46 * Influenza. Week 45/2020 (2-8 November 2020). Influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels. Influenza viruses were not detected in specimens from persons with respiratory illness presenting to primary medical care sentinel sites. Influenza viruses were detected sporadically from non-sentinel sources (such as hospitals, schools, primary care facilities not involved in sentinel surveillance, or nursing homes and other institutions). Both influenza type A and type B viruses were detected in non-sentinel source specimens. There were no hospitalised laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported for week 45/2020.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 8-14 November 2020, week 46 * Influenza A(H5N1). On 6 November 2020, WHO reported one case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a one-year-old female from Saravane province, Laos. The girl had exposure to domestic poultry. She developed a cough, fever and had difficulty breathing on 13 October, was hospitalised and had samples collected on 16 October 2020. On 19 October the girl was discharged. All her close contacts tested negative for influenza A. This is the third case of avian influenza A(H5N1) reported from Laos. The latest human case due to A(H5N1) from this country was reported in 2007. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Laos has not reported A(H5N1) in poultry or wild birds this year with the last report published in 2018. However, the neighbouring country Vietnam reported sporadic A(H5N1) detections in birds in 2020.

Law and Culture

• Bahrain * GOV.UK * The Government of Bahrain has announced a period of national mourning following the death of Bahrain’s Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, from 12 November for 7 days. Some government and hospitality services may close during this period. You should respect local customs.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Bahamas * GC.CA * Tropical Storm Eta passed through the Bahamas on November 8, 2020. It may still 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. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Belize * GC.CA * Tropical Depression Eta passed through Belize on November 5, 2020. It may still 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. A flood warning is in effect for the following districts: Cayo, Belize. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Central America * GOV.UK * Hurricane Iota is forecast to make landfall in Central America on the morning of 17 November. It is expected to strengthen to a category five hurricane, potentially causing catastrophic damage as it moves inland. Flash flooding and landslides are likely and could be exacerbated following Hurricane Eta’s recent impact. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• Colombia * ECHO Daily Flash of 16 November 2020 * Landslide. On 13 November, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall occurred in Dabeiba Municipality (Antioquia Department, northern Colombia), resulting in fatalities and damage. As reported, additional municipalities have been affected and assessments are taking place. According to media, 3 people died, and 12 others are missing. There are approximately more than 700 affected people and severe damage to houses and infrastructure (including bridges and roads) are reported. Search and rescue operations, carried out with the support of the army, in the affected area are ongoing, 150 residents have been evacuated. Several landslide warnings have been issued across Antioquia Department and tropical storm conditions are expected to continue within the area for the next 36 hours as the rainy conditions persist in the Colombian Caribbean associated with tropical storm IOTA. DG ECHO partners are alerted.
• Colombia * GC.CA * Iota will be passing by the Colombian Caribbean as well as the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina and its keys around November 14, 2020. The hurricane 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. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Colombia * GOV.UK * A Tropical Storm warning was issued by the Colombian authorities on 14 November for the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, in response to Tropical Storm Iota. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre who also publish key messages, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Costa Rica * GOV.UK * Hurricane Iota is forecast to make landfall in Central America on the morning of 17 November. It is expected to strengthen to a category five hurricane, potentially causing catastrophic damage as it moves inland. Flash flooding and landslides are likely and could be exacerbated following Hurricane Eta’s recent impact. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Keep up to date with FCDO travel advice and social media.
• Cuba * GC.CA * Tropical Storm Eta passed through central Cuba on November 7, 2020. It may still 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. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Europe * ECHO Daily Flash of 16 November 2020 * Floods and flood warnings. Finland: Level 2/3 exceeded in two stations in Ostrobothnia Region. UK: Several flood warnings (level 2 out of 3) are issued for the southern region in the UK.
• Honduras * GC.CA * Iota should make landfall on the eastern coast of Honduras on November 16, 2020. The hurricane 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, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 16 November 2020 * Floods. Since 11 November, heavy rain continues to affect central-western Indonesia, causing floods and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), 940 people have been affected and 90 displaced in 2 Provinces of Java Island (West Java and Central Java). More than 300 people have been affected in West Nusa Tenggara Province (Lesser Sunda Islands), 20 people have been displaced and 266 affected in Aceh Province (Sumatra Island). On 16-17 November, moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms is forecast over most parts of the affected Provinces.
• Nicaragua * GC.CA * Iota should make landfall on the northeastern coast of Nicaragua on November 16, 2020. The hurricane 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, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Nicaragua * GOV.UK * Hurricane Iota is forecast to make landfall in Nicaragua on the morning of 17 November. It is expected to strengthen to a category five hurricane, potentially causing catastrophic damage as it moves inland. Extreme winds and life-threatening storm surge are expected along portions of coast in Nicaragua and Honduras. Flash flooding and landslides are likely and could be exacerbated following Hurricane Eta’s recent impact. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• Nicaragua, Honduras * ECHO Daily Flash of 16 November 2020 * Hurricane IOTA.  The newly-formed hurricane, IOTA is moving west over the Caribbean Sea.  On 16 November, its center was located about 70 km east-north-east of Providencia Island (Colombia), and about 300 km east of Puerto Cabezas City (RACCN, northern Nicaragua), with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h (Category 3). IOTA is expected to strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches the eastern coast of northern Nicaragua and Honduras, which have been heavily affected by the passage of hurricane ETA in early November. It is forecast to makes landfall over the eastern coast of northern Nicaragua on the morning of 17 November. Compulsory evacuations for residents in Honduras and Nicaragua have already begun, as reported by media. Heavy rainfall is expected over Honduras, northern Nicaragua, Guatemala, southern Belize and strong wind and storm surge are expected along the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras. A hurricane warning is in effect for Providencia Island, the eastern coastal areas from central Nicaragua, to southern Honduras.
• Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 16 November 2020 * Earthquake. An earthquake of 6.1 M at a depth of 42 km occurred offshore in north-eastern Mindanao island (southern Philippines) on 15 November at 22.37 UTC. The epicenter was located very close to the eastern coast of Suriago del Sur Province approximately 10 km south-west of the coastal town of Marihatag. USGS PAGER estimates that up to 22,000 people were exposed to strong shaking, and up to 467,000 were exposed to moderate shaking. There is no tsunami warning issued. According to media, there are no immediate reports of casualties, or structures affected.
• Philippines * GC.CA * Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) recently passed through Southern Luzon. There could be disruptions to the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Philippines * GOV.UK * Typhoon Ulysses made landfall in the Philippines on 12 November with strong winds, heavy rain and flooding and is causing substantial disruption. If you are a British national who is affected by Typhoon Ulysses, please call 02 8858 2200 for consular assistance.
• Vietnam * GC.CA * Vamco will make landfall on the coast of central Vietnam around November 14, 2020. 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. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Vietnam, Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 16 November 2020 * Typhoon VAMCO. Typhoon Vamco made landfall over northern Quang Binh Province  (northern-central Vietnam) on the morning of 15 November with maximum sustained winds up to 130 km/h, continued moving north-west and dissipated over north-eastern Thailand. According to the Authorities of Vietnam, 5 people have been injured (2 in Quang Tri Province and 3 in Quang Nam Province) more than 325,000 people have been evacuated and 55 communes remained without electricity in Quang Binh Province. In addition, following the passage of VAMCO over central Luzon (northern Philippines) on 11 November, the number of deaths stands at 67 and more than 2,700,000 people have been affected. 569,047 individuals are displaced, 304,065 (DSWD) are in evacuation centres and 265,001 (DSWD) are staying at relatives. For the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over most parts of Vietnam, particularly the northern Provinces.

Other

• Afghanistan * GOV.UK * UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into Afghanistan. However, ETDs are accepted for exit from Afghanistan although a local exit visa may also be required before holders can leave. This will depend on circumstances and may take time to process. You will also be required to obtain a local police report for all lost or stolen passports. Consular staff will offer further advice and information on an individual case by case basis.
• Mexico * GOV.UK * UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Mexico and are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Mexico. All tourists, including holders of ETDs will need an immigration form to leave the country. If you lose your immigration form you can get it replaced at the immigration office at any international airport in Mexico.
• Zimbabwe * GC.CA * Power outages are common in Zimbabwe. They may be scheduled by local authorities or occur without notice. Harare is currently experiencing municipal water supply shortages. Food and fuel shortages also occur. Keep supplies of food, water and fuel on hand in case of lengthy disruptions. Telecommunications networks disruptions occur.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo * Communicable disease threats report, 8-14 November 2020, week 46 * Ebola. Since the last update on 6 November, and as of 9 November 2020, no new cases or deaths have been reported from the Equateur Province in the DRC. The last confirmed case was reported on 28 September from Makanza Health Zone. The second RT-PCR result for the last case came back negative for Ebola on 6 October, hence as of 9 November, nine days remain until the outbreak can be declared over.

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.