021518 – World Status Report

Take Enhanced Precautions

CDC

• Listeriosis in South Africa. There is an outbreak of listeriosis in South Africa. People usually become ill with listeriosis after eating contaminated foods. Travelers to South Africa, especially those with higher risk of infection, may wish to avoid certain foods to reduce their risk of infection.
• 2018 Winter Olympics (PyeongChang 2018). The 2018 Winter Olympics will take place in PyeongChang, South Korea, from February 9 to February 25, 2018. The Paralympic Games are scheduled for March 9 to March 18, 2018. If you plan to travel to South Korea for the Olympics or Paralympics, follow the linked recommendations to help you stay safe and healthy.

U.S. Department of State

• South Africa. Be aware that Cape Town and Western Cape Province are experiencing a severe drought.

Government of Canada

• Trinidad and Tobago. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has arrested individuals who planned to carry out an attack at Carnival, which is taking place from February 11 to 13, 2018. An attack still cannot be ruled out. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has increased security measures around Carnival events. If you are attending or plan to attend Carnival, exercise extreme caution.
• Colombia. The temporary ceasefire agreement between the Government of Colombia and the ELN ended on January 9, 2018. Since that date, the ELN has carried out several terrorist attacks. Targets have included the police, armed forces and oil and gas installations in the departments of Atlántico, Arauca and Norte de Santander, among others. More violent attacks may occur throughout Colombia.
• Cameroon. Since late November 2016, demonstrations, general strikes and clashes stemming from local tensions have led to casualties in the North-West and South-West regions. A curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. At any time, local authorities could impose movement restrictions. Telecommunications could be disrupted.
• Ethiopia. Demonstrations and violent clashes between residents and security forces have been occurring sporadically in many areas across Amhara and Oromia Regions, leading to casualties and mass arrests. Residents have also randomly attacked cars, and disrupted road travel. There remains a heavy security presence throughout the regions, sporadic disturbances continue to occur, and curfews could be in place in some areas. The security situation could deteriorate without warning. Exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities.‎‎

GOV. UK

• LGBTQ+ advisory.  Same-sex relationships and civil partnerships are legal in Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia,  but same-sex marriages are not recognized by the country law. Public displays of affection may be frowned upon or attract unwanted attention.
• Sri Lanka. There have been a number of fatal accidents when visitors have hung out of the open doorways or windows of trains; you should remember that there is a very real risk of death or serious injury if you do not stay within the train carriage while the train is not stopped at a station. Visitors should also be aware that there are reports of theft of travelers’ personal belongings during train journeys, including theft of briefly unattended belongings, or pick pocketing. Take care of your possessions at all times.
• Trinidad and Tobago.  Updated information and advice on the threat from terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting an increased threat; terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Trinidad and Tobago; the Trinidad and Tobago authorities have arrested some individuals who planned to carry out attacks against Carnival on 12 and 13 February 2018; an attack is still possible; the Trinidad and Tobago government is increasing security measures for the Carnival; you should remain vigilant and avoid crowded places and large gatherings.
• Tunisia. Updated to reflect further extension of state of emergency in Tunisia by one month.
• Guinea. Local elections took place on 4 February 2018; outbreaks of violence, including some fatalities, have occurred and continue across the country. There is a risk of road closures due to demonstrations; you should monitor local and international media reports and avoid large demonstrations or rallies.
• Tonga.  Tropical Cyclone Gita has caused widespread damage. The Tongan authorities have declared a state of emergency. Essential services such as power and water have been disrupted. Monitor local media, including local radio broadcasts, for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly advise that extra care is taken around damaged buildings and fallen power lines.
• Ethiopia. On 13 February 2018, there were reports of road closures and large gatherings in towns in the Oromia region, including some close to the borders of Addis Ababa, as well as around Harar and Dire Dawa. If you’re in these areas you should exercise caution, keep away from crowds and limit road journeys as much as possible until the situation has normalized.
• Sierra Leone.  The next presidential elections are scheduled to take place on 7 March 2018, with a run-off, if necessary, scheduled around 2 weeks after that; you should avoid political rallies. Vehicular movement will be restricted on election day and only accredited vehicles and personnel will be able to move freely around the country.

United Nations

• Syria: Civilians killed on ‘horrific scale’ as conflict begins spilling across borders. The conflict in Syria is now spilling over the country’s borders amid increased military intervention from multiple sources, a senior United Nations mediator said on Wednesday, warning that civilians are being killed on a horrific scale and the crisis is at one of the most “dangerous and worrying moments” in over four years.

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• Overall Red alert Tropical Cyclone for GITA-18 in Tonga. Tropical Cyclone GITA-18 can have a high humanitarian impact based on the Maximum sustained wind speed and the affected population and their vulnerability.

Recommended Reading / Viewing

International SOS newsroom

• Essential Tips for Healthy and Safe Chinese New Year Celebrations.

The risk information in this report is retrieved from U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. 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.