040221 – World Status Report
April 2, 2021
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 linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice.
Security
The European Emergency Response Coordination Center reports on the humanitarian crisis in Syria where close to 7 million people are displaced and close to 5.6 million Syrian refugees have fled across borders. UK.GOV notes on the significant levels of violence in Niger‘s capital, Niamey, following the elections. GOV.AU notes a significant increase in the level of violence with many deaths, injuries and arrests in Myanmar. The United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) and the Organization’s refugee agency (UNHCR) have called on Myanmar’s neighboring countries to offer refuge and protection to all those fleeing violence and persecution as the crisis in Myanmar enters its third month.
Natural Disasters
The European Emergency Response Coordination Center reports ongoing explosive activity and ash from the Pacaya volcano in Guatemala. Severe weather has caused road damage and power outages impacting about 10,000 people in Canada.
COVID-19
International preventative measures against COVID-19, including entry restrictions and in-country mobility remain very fluid, and can be imposed without prior notice. Details for each country can be found in the travel advisories issued by the governments of the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
As a notable case, The Guardian reports that France will close schools and stop domestic travel for a month after Easter.
Globally, as of 01 April, Johns Hopkins University counts 129,015,662 COVID-19 cases and 2,818,170 deaths, and the WHO COVID-19 dashboard reports 127,877,462 cases and 2,796,561 deaths.
As a notable case, The Guardian reports Brazil recorded over 57k COVID-19 related fatalities in March, and its hospitals are overwhelmed.
Vaccinations campaigns around the world continue. As of 31 March, Our World in Data reports that 595.92 million vaccine doses have been administered globally. The WHO COVID-19 dashboard reports as of 29 March 2021 over 520 million administered vaccine doses.
To consider, CNN news reports on the slow roll out of vaccination campaigns in Europe, including concerns of the high rates of the B117 variant, and the fluid changes in restrictions.
Risk Levels
Countries risk levels remain high as reported by the CDC and the U.S. Department of State.
CDC COVID-19 Levels, last update on March 29
| # Countries | Risk Level |
| 154 | Level 4: COVID-19 Very High (avoid all travel) |
| 22 | Level 3: COVID-19 High (avoid all non-essential travel) |
| 18 | Level 2: COVID-19 Moderate (travelers at increased risk for severe illness, avoid all non-essential travel) |
| 27 | Level 1: COVID-19 Low (take steps to mitigate risks before, during, and after travel) |
| 24 | Level Unknown: COVID-19 Unknown (avoid all non-essential travel) |
U.S. Department of State Levels, last update on March 30
| # Countries | Risk Level |
| 31 | at Level 4: Do Not Travel |
| 155 | at Level 3: Reconsider Travel |
| 22 | at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution |
| 3 | at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions |
Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice.
