022521 – COVID-19 Report

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

Be aware that reported travel restrictions impacting international travel to specific countries may not apply the same to travelers from all 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

• Argentina * GOV.UK * Argentina’s national vaccination programme began in late December 2020. Vaccination is occurring in priority phases and is voluntary and free of charge. You must hold a DNI (national ID) to qualify for a vaccine. Each province/jurisdiction is responsible for the distribution of the vaccines in their area. Further information on Argentina’s national vaccination programme, including priority list, the status of the rollout in each province and enrolment details is available on the Argentine Ministry of Health website (in Spanish).
• Bonaire * CDC * COVID-19 Very High. Travelers should avoid all travel to Bonaire.
• Europe * Communicable disease threats report, 14-20 February 2021, week 7 * COVID-19. Update of the week. Since week 2021-5 and as of week 2021-6, 2 732 852 new cases of COVID-19 (in accordance with the applied case definitions and testing strategies in the affected countries) and 83 916 new deaths have been reported. Globally, since 31 December 2019 and as of week 2021-6, 109 206 497 cases of COVID-19 have been reported, including 2 407 469 deaths. In the EU/EEA, 21 113 083 cases have been reported, including 515 519 deaths.
• France * GOV.UK * The French authorities have issued guidance on how to get a vaccination in France including details of how to book an appointment (only available in French) and which groups are currently being offered the vaccine. The French Government have said that residents of France, regardless of their nationality, will have access to the vaccine in France. Further information on COVID-19 vaccinations in France can be found on French Government’s coronavirus information website and on their frequently asked questions page.
• India * GOV.UK * If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing and fever and/or shortness of breath) and would like to get tested and get more information, contact a registered medical practitioner. A government supported central help line number +91-11-23978046 can be used to re-direct you to a medical practitioner. Testing is now also available on demand from private laboratories in the country. See additional guidance on testing.
• Malta * GOV.UK * Residents of Malta are eligible for the vaccine. Further details can be found on the Ministry Health website https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/health-promotion/covid-19/Pages/vaccines.aspx. Priority will be given to vulnerable groups and you will be contacted when it is your turn. If you think you should have been contacted already you can call 145 or email covid-vaccine@gov.mt.
• Saint Barthelemy * CDC * COVID-19 Very High. Travelers should avoid all travel to Saint Barthelemy.
• Slovenia * GOV.UK * All UK permanent and temporary residents in Slovenia will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. You should register your interest online via the e-Upravna service. You will need your EMŠO (Identity card) number. You can also register by using your e-Upravna digital signature if you have one. The registration service is only available on the Slovene language page, you will need some assistance if you don’t speak Slovene. Do not click on the English language tab at the top of the page as this takes you to the general Upravna page. The vaccine registration facility is not available in English.
• Uganda * DOS * Level 3: Reconsider travel to Uganda due to COVID-19.  Exercise increased caution in Uganda due to crime.  Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a level 3 Travel Health Notice for Uganda due to COVID-19.  Uganda has resumed most internal transportation options, and the international airport is open for regular travel. Most business operations have resumed, however some day cares and schools remain closed.  Other improved conditions have been reported within Uganda.  Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Uganda.
• World * GOV.UK * The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the UK authority responsible for assessing the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines. It has authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines for temporary supply and use in the UK. Find out more about MHRA approval for these vaccines. British nationals living overseas should seek medical advice from their local healthcare provider in the country where they reside. Information about vaccines used in other national programmes, including regulatory status, should be available from the local authorities. This list of Stringent Regulatory Authorities recognised by the World Health Organisation may also be a useful source of additional information. Find out more information about the COVID-19 vaccines on the World Health Organization COVID-19 vaccines page.

Preventative Measures

• Albania * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and a daily curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. You must wear a face covering in closed public spaces and in outdoor public spaces. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined and face imprisonment for endangering public health.
• Austria * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and a daily curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. You need to wear a FFP2 face mask in shops and on public transportation. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
• Bahrain * GOV.UK * Schools and universities are open, however in-school learning has been suspended from 31 January to 14 March 2021. Gatherings of over 5 people have been banned, shops are open with strict social distancing measures in place. Restaurants are open with social distancing guidelines and a maximum of 6 people per table. Indoor dining has been suspended from 31 January to 31 March 2021. Special events should have a maximum of 30 people.
• Barbados * GOV.UK * Until 28 February, there is a national lockdown in force, including a ‘stay-at-home’ order, a 7pm to 6am curfew, exercise allowed from 6am-9am, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants closed and masks mandatory in all public areas.
• Cuba * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a curfew in Havana in effect between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. You must wear a face covering in public. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
• Guinea * GOV.AU * A state of emergency is still in place due to COVID-19. Preventative measures and restrictions apply. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• India * GOV.AU * COVID−19 continues to be a risk in India. If you’re in India, avoid crowded public spaces (including malls and markets) and mass gatherings. Wear a face mask and maintain 1.5 metres distance from others while in all public spaces. Localised lockdowns can be announced at short notice.
• Israel and the Palestinian Territories * GOV.AU * Authorities have imposed rules on social distancing, public gatherings and wearing face masks. Israel has implemented nation-wide lockdowns to limit the spread of COVID-19, often with little notice. The Palestinian Authority has measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, including restrictions at tourist and religious sites.
• Italy * GOV.AU * There are additional national measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. A national curfew is still in place between 10pm and 5am. Regions may adjust measures in keeping with local requirements, including localised curfews and lockdowns. Follow social distancing protocols and use masks in line with regional measures. Monitor and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Jamaica * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. A nationwide curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until February 24, 2021.
• Kosovo * GOV.AU * Movement restrictions apply in municipalities with high levels of infection. You must wear a face mask in all public spaces. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
• Malaysia * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. These measures may vary depending on the region. Interstate travel is prohibited nationwide and inter-district travel is severely restricted in certain areas. You must wear a face covering in public. If you violate measures or restrictions, you could be fined and face imprisonment for endangering public health.
• Malaysia * GOV.AU * Malaysia has introduced restrictions in response to increasing COVID-19 cases that will remain in effect until 4 March 2021. The restrictions vary across locations and can change rapidly (see ‘Travel’). Remain aware of what restrictions are in place at your location and follow the advice of local authorities. You must maintain social distance and wear a face mask in public spaces and on public transportation. Foreigners, including visitors and long term foreign residents, have been arrested and charged for breaching COVID-19 restrictions, including failure to socially distance in public places and being present in a venue that is suspected of breaching current rules.
• Mayotte * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a general containment in effect nationwide until February 26, 2021. You must stay inside your home or place of residence unless you need to perform essential activities. If you need to leave your home, you must wear a face covering in public. If you violate these restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
• Mongolia * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a general containment in Ulaanbaatar from 6 a.m. on February 11 to 6 a.m. on February 23, 2021. You must stay inside your home or residence unless you need to perform essential activities. You must wear a face mask in public.
• Mongolia * GOV.UK * Precautionary measures introduced by the Mongolian authorities include: restrictions on public gatherings, fines for not wearing a mask in public, the suspension of all international commercial air and rail routes until at least 31 March 2021. You should check the status of any upcoming flights or trains into and out of Mongolia with your airline. the closure to foreign nationals of road crossings between Mongolia and Russia; the closure of all borders between China and Mongolia until further notice; the cancellation of all domestic flights. In addition to the above, from 6am on 23 February Ulaanbaatar has been placed under a “yellow” alert status, under which competitions, group trips, clearance sales and fairs, nightclubs, gaming centres and indoor play centres are not permitted or allowed to open. Movement in and out of the city will be prohibited until 1 March 2021, with exceptions only for emergency vehicles and funerals.
• Montenegro * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. A nationwide daily curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. You must wear a face covering in all public spaces. If you violate these restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
• Montenegro * GOV.AU * A nationwide curfew remains in place from 9pm to 5am. There is a weekend ban on intercity public transport from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday. There are additional restrictions in Budva, Podgorica, Niksic, Kotor, Cetinje, Herzeg Novi, Ulcinj and Tivat municipalities. If you’re staying in Montenegro, follow the advice of local authorities. Follow the Australian Embassy on social media for updates (see ‘Local Contacts’).
• Montserrat * GOV.UK * Lockdown has been extended to 28 February. One shopping trip per household per day is permitted. Only food stores and other essential services will be open. They will be open from 8am to 4pm. Only one person per household may go shopping. Care homes are closed to visitors. Everyone else must stay home although outdoor exercising in the local vicinity of your home is allowed early morning and evening. Masks are required at all times when you are outside your home, even in private vehicles. There is a curfew from 7pm and 5am.
• Namibia * 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 spaces and while using private transport.
• Oman * GOV.AU * All leisure spaces, beaches and public parks are closed.
• Romania * GOV.AU * There’s an ongoing State of Alert in Romania. It’s mandatory to wear face masks in indoor and outdoor public spaces. A nationwide curfew is in place from 11pm to 5am. Other restrictions are in place.
• Senegal * GOV.AU * Public health measures are in place, including wearing face masks in public spaces.
• South Africa * GOV.AU * South Africa is at ‘Alert Level 3’ of it’s COVID-19 response, there’s a curfew from 11pm to 4am. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Sudan * GOV.AU * There’s a curfew in Khartoum. Curfew times change regularly. Check the advice of local authorities for current curfew hours.
• Timor-Leste * GOV.AU * Timor-Leste has established an isolation zone restricting travel to and from Bobonaro and Covalima municipalities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation zone will remain in effect until 3 March 2021.
• Uganda * GOV.AU * A nationwide daily curfew from 9.00pm to 6.00am is in place. It’s compulsory to wear an approved face mask in public for everyone aged six and over. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, expect local authorities to quarantine you. Monitor the media for information on latest developments.
• Zimbabwe * GOV.AU * Zimbabwe remains in a lockdown. You’re required to stay at home and only undertake essential movements. Inter-provincial and inter-city travel is restricted. Essential businesses are open from 8am to 5pm. Schools remain closed. The curfew is now from 8pm to 5.30am.

Travel Restrictions

• Bahrain * GOV.UK * Bahrain International Airport remains open, including for transit and transfer passengers, and visas on arrival are available for UK nationals. All arrivals, except for those transferring within the airport, will be required to undergo and pay for the enhanced arrivals testing procedure for COVID-19 and need to self-quarantine until the first test results have been received. From 22 February, any person staying in Bahrain for 5 days or more must repeat the testing procedure on the fifth day and tenth day following their arrival in the Kingdom. You will be required to download the “BeAware” app in advance of testing. You should check Bahrain’s visa portal for the most up to date information.
• Belize * GOV.AU * You’ll need to complete a form in the Belize Health App and take a COVID19 (PCR) test within 72 hours before travel to Belize. Maritime borders for yachting tourism have been opened in the authorised ports of San Pedro, Belize City and Placencia. The Philip Goldson International Airport (Belize City) is open with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. Commercial flights in and out of the country remain very limited. All land borders remain closed. Check with your travel provider for the latest information.
• Bermuda * GOV.UK * LF Wade International Airport is open for commercial flights. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Bermuda Government has put in place visitor protocols, which include the requirement for both visitors and residents to apply for a travel authorisation. Visit the Government of Bermuda website for more information.
• Burkina Faso * GOV.AU * COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Limited international commercial flights to Burkina Faso have resumed. All land borders remain closed to regular commercial passenger travel. You’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than five days before arrival. Pay attention to your personal safety. Follow the directions of local authorities. The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa.
• China * GOV.UK * For all quarantine arrangements in China: unless directed by the authorities you’re not allowed to leave your designated quarantine location for 14 days. This means you’re also unable to leave China for the duration of the quarantine; depending on the quarantine location, facilities may be basic: there may be no fridge, no air-conditioning, and limited or no internet/wifi; during your stay you will be responsible for cleaning the room; if meals are not available at the quarantine location, you will need to arrange food orders for delivery from outside; larger sized families with two parents may be separated into 2 rooms; if you’re on prescription medication make sure you bring enough with you to last for at least 3-4 weeks together with medical documents certifying that you need to take this medication. See Health for further information. Failure to comply with the quarantine conditions or testing put in place, or any attempts to deliberately conceal health conditions can result in being sentenced to up to three years in prison. This applies to both Chinese and foreign nationals.
• Costa Rica * GC.CA * Land borders are closed to tourists until further notice.
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) * GOV.AU * International commercial flights to Côte d’Ivoire have resumed. All land and sea borders remain closed to regular commercial passenger travel. You’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than seven days before arrival or departure. The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Denmark * GOV.AU * You must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Denmark and self-isolate for 10 days. It is possible to shorten the isolation period if a negative test is taken no earlier than the fourth day after entry into Denmark. Some exemptions apply. All non-residents entering Denmark must show a worthy cause for travel and proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen test) taken no more than 24 hours before boarding the aircraft. Danish nationals and residents must also present a negative COVID-19 test. Additional entry restrictions apply to residents from the UK and South Africa.
• French Polynesia * GOV.AU * Travel to French Polynesia is only allowed in certain circumstances and if you have the relevant documents from local authorities prior to travel. You’ll need proof of a negative COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) taken in the 72 hours before you travel. All arrivals in French Polynesia must undertake 14 days of self-funded quarantine on arrival. Measures may change at short notice. (see ‘Travel’)
• Ghana * GOV.AU * COVID-19 restrictions are in place. International commercial flights to Ghana have resumed. All land and sea borders remain closed to regular commercial passenger travel. You’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken no more than three days before arrival and be screened and tested when you arrive. Prior to travel to Ghana, a COVID-19 test pre-payment must be made online (see Travel). Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Guyana * GOV.AU * Airlines have restarted limited regular commercial flights to and from Guyana. You must present results of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken up to seven days before arrival. If your test is taken within 72 hours before arrival, you’ll be allowed immediate entry into Guyana without restrictions. If your tests are taken four to seven days before arrival, you’ll need to have a second test on arrival and self-isolate in a hotel or home until a negative result is obtained (see ‘Travel’).
• Haiti * GOV.AU * You’ll need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR or Antigen) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to Haiti. Travel restrictions may change at short notice. Monitor the media and follow the advice from local authorities.
• India * GOV.AU * The ban on international commercial flights remains in place. Restrictions on travel and business operations may be imposed at short notice (see ‘Travel’). Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Iran * GOV.UK * The Iranian government have extended the suspension of arrivals on direct and indirect flights from the UK until 10 March.
• Israel and the Palestinian Territories * GOV.AU * Israel has announced a ban on inbound and outbound travel to prevent the entry of additional coronavirus mutations. Some exceptions apply. See the Health Ministry’s website for details. When flights are operating, you can’t enter Israel unless you’re an Israeli citizen or resident or you meet exception requirements for entry. If you’re permitted entry, you must show evidence that you can self-quarantine or stay in a designated facility. Inbound travellers who have spent time in designated ‘red’ locations in the past two weeks must quarantine in dedicated isolation facilities. Incoming travellers must provide their airline with evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of departure (see ‘Travel’). Gaza’s entry and exit point with Egypt is closed. Gaza’s crossing with Israel is operating with restrictions.
• Jamaica * GOV.AU * Depending on where you are travelling from, you may require a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test prior to arrival. You may also be tested for COVID-19 on arrival and need to undertake quarantine (see Travel).
• Kosovo * GOV.AU * You must show proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test if you’re entering Kosovo from a country with high levels of infection. It must be taken within 72 hours of your arrival or you must self-isolate for 7 days.
• Kuwait * GOV.UK * Only Kuwaitis and their first-degree relatives are allowed to enter Kuwait until further notice. Visit visas are not issued on arrival or at Embassies outside Kuwait, until further notice.
• Kuwait * GOV.AU * Foreigners are not permitted to enter Kuwait. Restrictions on public gatherings and commercial activity are in place.
• Liberia * GOV.AU * International commercial flights to Liberia have resumed. All land borders remain closed. Ports have reopened. You must complete a Health Screening Arrival Form before you arrive. On arrival you’ll be screened and tested for COVID-19, exemptions apply. Restrictions also apply if you’re departing Liberia. (See ‘Travel’). If despite our advice, you are travelling to Liberia, you should contact your airline or travel agent for confirmation of flight schedules.
• Malaysia * GOV.AU *Expired social visit pass (tourist visa) holders will be permitted to leave Malaysia without incurring any penalties or enforcement action up to 14 working days from the expiry of the current RMCO period. Contact your airline or travel provider to organise options to depart Malaysia as soon as you can. There is no guarantee of any further extensions without penalty.
• Mali * GOV.AU *Air and land borders are open with enhanced screening and quarantine measures in place. To enter or leave Mali, you’ll either need to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test certificate, taken no more than 72 hours before travel, or be tested on arrival at the airport (see ‘Travel’). The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Mali.
• Montenegro * GOV.AU * If you’re travelling from a certain country you must have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before you arrive in Montenegro or quarantine for 14 days on arrival (see ‘Travel’ for list).
• New Zealand * GOV.UK * The New Zealand government have made an additional extension to some visas. Immigration New Zealand will be contacting visa holders and their advisors in March 2021 with an email confirming the updated visa expiry dates. From early March 2021 you will be able to confirm your visa expiry date by checking the Visa Verification Service on the Immigration New Zealand website. Please do not call the Immigration Contact Centre as they will not be able to confirm your visa status until the records have been fully updated.
• New Zealand * GOV.AU * The Safe Travel Zone allowing quarantine free flights from New Zealand to Australia resumes on 21 February 2021. If you’re travelling on a green zone flight and have been in Auckland in the last 14 days, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test in the 72 hours prior to departure. These conditions will apply until 1 March 2021.
• Oman * GOV.AU * A limited schedule of international flights to and from Oman have resumed. Check with your airline for the latest information. A COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival is mandatory and you’ll have to undertake mandatory institutional health isolation at your own expense. You may be required to show evidence of a hotel booking to board flights to Oman (see ‘Travel’). Valid health insurance covering COVID-19 is required.
• Romania * GOV.AU * Romania has temporarily suspended entry into the country for all non-EU citizens. Depending on the country of departure, you must have a COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test up to 72 hours prior to arrival and quarantine for up to 10 days at home (see ‘Travel’).
• Senegal * GOV.AU * COVID-19 restrictions are in place. If you’re able to enter Senegal you’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than five days before entry and fill out a ‘Public Health Passenger Locator’ form (see ‘Travel’). These measures can change at short notice. Check with your nearest Senegal Embassy for more details. The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Senegal.
• Sierra Leone * GOV.AU * Commercial flights are now operating, but land and sea borders are still closed. You must have approval to enter Sierra Leone. This can be obtained online (see ‘Travel’). A negative COVID-19 (PCR) test must also be presented, taken in the 7 days before departure. Additional COVID-19 testing is conducted on arrival. The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Sierra Leone.
• Spain * GOV.AU * Air and sea travel from the UK to Spain is restricted to Spanish and Andorran citizens and those legally resident in Spain or Andorra. If you’re travelling from a designated ‘at risk’ country, you’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR or TMA) test result on arrival, taken within 72 hours before you travel. Crossings at land borders with Portugal are suspended, except for workers, freight and people returning to their normal place of residence.
• Sudan * GOV.AU * Some international flights into and from Sudan have resumed.
• Timor-Leste * GOV.AU * A State of Emergency is in place. Entry restrictions apply to all travellers and can change with little notice. You’ll need proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to enter. If you travel to Timor-Leste, you’ll need to complete at least 14 days quarantine at a location determined by authorities, likely at your own expense, as well as mandatory COVID-19 testing. Licences and visas remain valid during the State of Emergency, regardless of their stated expiry date.
• Trinidad and Tobago * GOV.UK * Trinidad and Tobago’s international borders are closed. There are currently no commercial flight options available for travelling into or out of Trinidad and Tobago. British nationals wishing to enter or depart from Trinidad and Tobago via other available options must first obtain a travel exemption to do so from Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security via an online application and follow local advice.
• Tunisia * GOV.AU * If you’re coming from a country where the new COVID-19 strain has been detected you’re banned from entering Tunisia until further notice. All visitors to Tunisia are required to undertake a mandatory 14 day quarantine upon arrival, regardless of where you travel from. Proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before departure and no later than 120 hours before you arrive, is still required. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Turkmenistan * GOV.UK * All international scheduled commercial flights to and from Turkmenistan have been suspended. At present, entry to Turkmenistan is prohibited except for Turkmen nationals and accredited diplomats, permanently registered foreigners and some employees of international companies and organisations. All citizens of foreign countries arriving into Turkmenistan must provide a PCR test certificate and details of testing undertaken for the present of antibodies to COVID-19 (IgM/IgG).
• Uganda * GOV.AU * Entebbe International Airport has reopened for commercial passenger flights. To enter Uganda you must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test. It must be taken in the country of departure and within 120 hours of arrival.
• Zimbabwe * GOV.AU * Domestic and international flights are operating. Contact your nearest Zimbabwean Embassy and airline to confirm the latest requirements.

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.