120120 – 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

• Ethiopia * GC.CA * Military operations have been occurring in northern Ethiopia since November 4, 2020. There are reports of attacks in Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions. Local authorities have declared an emergency in Tigray region, which will be in effect until May 2021. Travel by road in and out of this region is forbidden. All flights are cancelled until further notice. Access to telecommunications in the area remains intermittent. The supply chain to Tigray is fragile and basic necessities may not be available. As of November 14, 2020, Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled all flights to Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela and Debre Markos (Amhara) and Semera (Afar). The situation is volatile and unpredictable throughout the whole country, including in Addis Ababa. Several police check points are in place on the roads leading into the capital where there are calls for protests. While those have been peaceful so far, demonstrations can turn violent at any time. If you are in the affected areas: shelter in place, plan to have adequate fuel, water and food supplies, monitor local media for information on the evolving situation, expect a heightened security presence, carry identification documents at all times, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities. The International Committee of the Red Cross have establish a hotline to support those searching for family members in Tigray. If you’re looking for someone in this region, contact the Red Cross: by phone: +251 94 312 2207 or +251 11 552 7110 by email: add_tracing_services@icrc.org.
• Ethiopia * GOV.UK * Flights to northern Ethiopia have been suspended, including to Mekelle, Shire and Axum. Mobile networks and internet connections are not operating in Tigray. Those wishing to leave can register with the United Nations (UN) at the UNICEF office in Mekelle where safe to do so, though should note that it is not clear if/when any evacuation will take place. Families should continue to share details with the British Embassy to enable us to locate British nationals in Tigray. If you are in the Tigray region and are able to, you should call: +251 11 617 01 00. If you are calling from the United Kingdom about family or friends you should call 020 7008 5000.
• Ethiopia * GOV.AU * Australians in the Tigray Region seeking to depart or requiring emergency consular assistance should contact, if possible, the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa (see ‘Local contacts’), or call the DFAT Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 or from within Australia on +61 2 6261 3305. We still advise, do not travel (level 4 of 4) to the Regional State of Tigray and surrounding areas due to ongoing military action. A State of Emergency is in place, flights are still suspended, land borders are closed and communications networks are disrupted. If you’re staying in Tigray, shelter in place, monitor the media and follow instructions issued by the authorities. Our global travel advice remains do not travel due to the risk of COVID-19 and travel disruptions.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Afghanistan * GOV.UK * Multiple threats are issued daily. Terrorists and insurgents conduct frequent and widespread lethal attacks against Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), domestic and international political and civilian targets including within the city gates, and those working in the security, humanitarian and reconstruction fields. You should note an overall increased threat to Western interests in Kabul, including from high-profile, large-scale attacks. Past incidents include: on 24 November 2020, a terrorist attack killed at least 17 people and injured over 50 people with two explosions in Bamian city market. on 21 November 2020, a terrorist attack launched several rockets aimed at the Green Zone, stated to have been targeting both foreign and government officials. on 2 November 2020, a terrorist attack targeted a building within the Kabul University complex, killing at least 19 civilians and wounding 12 people.
• Armenia * GC.CA * A new ceasefire agreement was signed on November 9, 2020, and Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to the region for a 5-year period. Despite this agreement, the situation is volatile and future conflict cannot be ruled out. Our ability to provide consular services in Nagorno-Karabakh, its surrounding areas and at the border with Azerbaijan is extremely limited.
• Chad * ECHO Daily Flash of 30 November 2020 * Heightened insecurity in the west. Since 23 November, confrontations between farmers and herders have erupted in the department of Kabbia (Mayo Kebbi East region) leading to 23 deaths. Clashes have spread across the province, heightening insecurity in particular in the border areas with Cameroon. This comes amid an increase of attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram in the Lac province. On 25 November, 4 soldiers died and 16 others were injured in an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) set on a small boat on which the soldiers were sailing in Lake Chad. Violent attacks against civilians and military have been on the rise in the Lac province, hampering humanitarian access and affecting the protection of civilians. The Lac province is reeling from the impact of a double security and environmental crisis, resulting in 336,124 IDPs which represents approximately half of the entire Lac population and an increase by 13% since July 2020 (IOM). The recent floods risk worsening an already complex humanitarian situation, as some key areas where critical assistance is needed might become inaccessible.
• Indonesia * GOV.UK * The political situation in Central Sulawesi Province is unsettled. Take particular care in Palu, Poso and Tentena and be alert to the potential for politically-motivated violence. There is ongoing conflict between the Indonesian security forces and terrorists, including attacks upon police and civilians in November 2020. This conflict is predominantly concentrated in the Sigi, Parigi Moutong and Poso regions.
• Nigeria * ECHO Daily Flash of 30 November 2020 * Violence. On 28 November, non state armed groups (NSAG) carried out an attack against civilians in villages approximately 20 km northeast of the Borno State capital Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria. The attack was carried out, while farmers were harvesting their crops. The deaths of 46 people is confirmed with other reports, including the Humanitarian Coordinator’s statement, suggesting up to 110 killed. Many other people were wounded during the attack. There are also reports that people were abducted. Security continues to deteriorate in northeast Nigeria limiting the capacity of humanitarian organisations to deliver assistance to the 10,6 million people in need. Acute food insecurity in the region is growing, creating in some areas the risk of famine, according to recent WFP and FAO reports.
• North Macedonia * GOV.UK * There is a general threat from terrorism. There may be increased security in place over the festive period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• 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 (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.

Crime

• China * GOV.UK * Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreigners. In marked taxis, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi’s number. Disputes over taxi fares can occur and quickly escalate. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Burkina Faso * GC.CA * The first round of the presidential and legislative elections took place on November 22, 2020. Demonstrations take place from time to time. 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.
• Central African Republic * GC.CA * Presidential elections are due to take place on December 27, 2020. Demonstrations can occur before, during or after the elections. They may turn violent at any time.
• 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 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.
• Ghana * GC.CA * Presidential elections are due to take place on December 7, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Ghana * GOV.AU * Presidential elections will be held on 7 December 2020. Political demonstrations can turn violent. Avoid large gatherings in the lead up to, during and immediately following election day. Due to COVID-19, entry protocols and nationwide restrictions apply (see ‘Travel’). Follow the advice of local authorities.
• India * GOV.UK * Various farmers unions have called for a protest march to Delhi on 26 and 27 November along five national highways (from Amritsar, Hissar, Jaipur, Agra and Barielly). Trade unions have also called for a nationwide general strike on 26 November in support of the farmers. This might cause delays for both private and public transportation and other disruptions. You should closely monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Liberia * GOV.UK *Liberia will hold Senatorial elections, Representative by-elections and a National Constitutional Referendum on 8 December 2020. You should remain vigilant, avoid any large public gatherings and demonstrations, monitor local media for up-to-date information, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Thailand * GOV.UK * Activists may continue to hold rallies across Thailand in the coming weeks. In Bangkok, potential rally locations include the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the Ratchaphrasong Shopping District Skywalk near the MBK building and Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, and university campuses. Rallies may disrupt traffic and public transport, commercial activity and there may be a heightened security presence.
• Uganda * GC.CA * General elections are scheduled to take place on January 14, 2021. Protests have occurred in Kampala since the arrest of a presidential election candidate on November 18, 2020. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in several casualties. The situation is tense and unpredictable. Spontaneous gatherings could disrupt transportation and access to essential services. Further demonstrations are likely to occur and they could turn violent at any time. If you are in Uganda: avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, expect a heightened security presence, avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Uganda * GOV.UK * On 18 and 19 November 2020 there were election-related protests in Kampala and other locations across Uganda, with incidents of violence and a number of deaths. Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can occur without notice throughout the country and further protests and increased tensions in the run up to the elections in January 2021 are likely. You should remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and public demonstrations and follow local media for updates.

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.
• French Antilles * Communicable disease threats report, 22-28 November 2020, week 48 * Dengue. Since the previous update with data as of 12 November 2020, and as of 22 November 2020, an additional 3 140 cases, including two deaths, have been reported in Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and Martinique. In the previous CDTR update, when the period 29 October to 12 November was analysed, 3 778 new cases were reported. The following cases have been reported since the previous update: Guadeloupe: 1 525 additional suspected cases. Saint-Martin: 90 additional suspected cases. Saint-Barthelemy: 55 additional suspected cases. Martinique: 1 470 additional suspected cases, including two deaths.
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic * WHO * Avian Influenza A(H5N1). The Ministry of Health in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) reported a human case of infection with an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a one-year-old female who developed symptoms of fever, productive cough, difficulty breathing and runny nose on 13 October 2020. She was hospitalized for her illness on 16 October and discharged on 19 October. As part of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) sentinel surveillance, a specimen was collected on the date of hospitalization and confirmed to be positive for avian influenza A(H5N1) on 28 October by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE).
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 22-28 November 2020, week 48 * West Nile virus. Between 20 and 26 November 2020, EU Member States and EU-neighbouring countries reported no new human cases nor deaths of WNV infection. ECDC links: West Nile virus infection atlas. Sources: TESSy
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 22-28 November 2020, week 48 * Influenza. Week 47/2020 (16-22 November 2020). Influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels. Of 663 sentinel specimens tested for influenza viruses in week 47, none tested positive, and of 14 143 non-sentinel specimens tested for influenza viruses, 12 tested positive. Influenza type A and type B viruses were detected. There were no hospitalised laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported for week 47/2020.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 22-28 November 2020, week 48 * Cholera. Since the last update on 30 October 2020, new cholera cases have been reported worldwide. Countries reporting the majority of new cases since the previous update are Yemen and Bangladesh. 
• Nigeria * WHO * Yellow fever. Reports of a cluster of deaths from an undiagnosed disease were notified on 1 November 2020 through Event Based Surveillance in two states, Delta and Enugu, located in southern Nigeria.

Law and Culture

• China * GOV.UK * Carry your passport with you at all times; a photocopy is not regarded as valid ID. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security and major sporting or political events. Failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention. If you renew your passport while you’re in China, you must register your new passport with the authorities promptly or face a fine.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Central America * GOV.UK * Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck Central America in November, have caused flooding and landslides to occur, as well as road closures. You should plan any essential travel carefully. 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 * GOV.UK * Although uncommon, hurricanes/tropical storms can affect the Caribbean coast and the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation, the US National Hurricane Centre, and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 30 November 2020 * Volcanic activity. On 28-29 November, the eruption of Ili Lewotolo volcano (Lembata Regency, Solor Archipelago, south-eastern Indonesia) caused the evacuation of 2,782 people to 6 refuge points in Lembata Regency. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), the observed volcanic ash reached up to 5,423 m, in the eruption on 29 November. The authorities strictly prohibit entry or any activity within 2 km radius from the center of the volcano. Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities issued an Alert Level 3 (out of 4) for Merapi Volcano (Java Island), due to an increase in the volcanic activity. About 2,318 people are sheltered in evacuation points across regencies in central Java.  According to the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), as of 30 November, a red aviation color code has been issued for Lewotolo.
• Italy * ECHO Daily Flash of 30 November 2020 * Severe weather. Heavy rainfall affected the Sardinia Island over the past 72 hours, triggering floods and landslides that have resulted in casualties and severe damage. Media report, as of 30 November, 3 fatalities, at least 40 evacuated people, several flooded houses and a number of power outages across the Bitti Town area (Nuoro Province, central-northern Sardinia). Over the next 24 hours, no more rainfall is forecast over Sardinia Island.
• Italy * ECHO Daily Flash of 30 November 2020 * Floods and flood warnings. Warning level 2/3 for Sardegna region.
• Thailand * ECHO Daily Flash of 30 November 2020 * Floods. Severe weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms, has been affecting central and southern Thailand (particularly Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Songkhla, Singburi, Samut Sakhon Provinces, and Yala Provinces) since 21 November, triggering floods and flash floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) reports, as of 30 November, around 2,170 affected people across the aforementioned Provinces. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rainfall to locally very heavy rainfall is forecast over southern Thailand.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo  * WHO * Ebola. On 18 November 2020, the Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the end of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Equateur Province.
• Tanzania * GOV.UK * An outbreak of Ebola in Equateur province in western DRC was declared over on 18 November 2020. A separate outbreak of Ebola in Eastern DRC was declared over in June 2020. You can find further information and updates on Ebola on the WHO website, and the Public Health England (PHE) website.

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.