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 publication date of this report, 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

Since March 30, 2021, there has been an increased Russian military presence near Ukraine’s eastern, north-eastern and northern borders, and Crimea (GC.CA). The ongoing repression of protests in Myanmar could spark a “full-blown conflict” on a par with Syria, the United Nations’ top human rights official warned on Tuesday (UN News). For the last several months Niger has experienced a surge in attacks against civilians by violent extremists. This includes a series of attacks in March in which hundreds of civilians have been killed (UN Dispatch).

Natural Disasters

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines a huge explosion of La soufrière volcano occurred on 12 April.  Over 100k people were affected in Saint Vincent, and an unknown number in neighboring islands.  Evacuation is underway.  Extensive damage to livelihoods and assets is reported (ERCC). Barbados’ airport operations are impacted by severe volcanic ash connected to the island of St Vincent. Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) is currently closed and all flights to and from GAIA are cancelled (GOV.UK).  In Peru a landslide occurred on 7 April isolating more than 300 residents after damage to the national highway PE-14, more rain is expected (ERCC).

Health

There are polio outbreaks in several countries in Africa.  The CDC recommends that all travelers to these countries be fully vaccinated against polio (CDC).

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 notable cases: In Bangladesh, from 14 April until 21 April, all international commercial passenger flights to and from Bangladesh will be suspended (GOV.UK). Germany‘s federal cabinet has agreed to amend the country’s Infection Protection Act that enables the federal government to impose nationwide curfews and lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic (CNN). Digital tools to certify immunity from COVID-19 could help ease lockdowns. However, lawmakers and civil rights groups have raised equality and privacy concerns (WEF).

Globally, as of 13 April, Johns Hopkins University counts 136,799,174 COVID-19 cases and 2,948,716 deaths, and the WHO COVID-19 dashboard reports 136,155,343 cases and 2,936,916 deaths. 

As notable cases: In the United States, Michigan is seeing a surge of new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations (CNN). Thailand’s government bans “water splashing” at New Year water festival after record numbers of new coronavirus infections for three consecutive days (CNN). Last week, Brazil saw its deadliest day with 4,195 people dying in 24 hours. The state of Sao Paulo and the city of Rio de Janeiro rank high in Covid-19 deaths, and both plan to ease movement restrictions starting on Monday (CNN).  World. Top officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) said today that COVID-19 cases have climbed for the seventh week in a row, warning that masks, distancing, and other measures are needed to give vaccines a chance to reduce transmission (CIDRAP).

Vaccination campaigns around the world continue.  As of 12 April, Our World in Data reports over 805 million administered vaccine doses globally, and the WHO COVID-19 dashboard reports over 732 million administered vaccine doses.

As notable cases: In the United States, the CDC and the FDA recommend pausing the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine as six reported (1 case per million) US cases of a “rare and severe” type of blood clot are reviewed (FDA).  India will fast-track emergency use authorization for Covid-19 vaccines approved in other countries (CNN).  The United Kingdom has reached its Covid-19 vaccination target of offering doses to all adults over 50, the clinically vulnerable, and social care workers, the British government said in a statement on Monday (CNN). The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for action to tackle inequity in the global COVID-19 vaccine rollout (Reuters).

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 April 12

# Countries	Risk Level
142	Level 4: COVID-19 Very High (avoid all travel)
19	Level 3: COVID-19 High (avoid all non-essential travel)
36	Level Unknown: COVID-19 Unknown (avoid all non-essential travel)
18	Level 2: COVID-19 Moderate (travelers at increased risk for severe illness, avoid all non-essential travel)
30	Level 1: COVID-19 Low (take steps to mitigate risks before, during, and after travel)

U.S. Department of State Levels, last update on April 12

# Countries	Risk Level
33	Level 4: Do Not Travel
153	Level 3: Reconsider Travel
22	Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
3	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.