International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

091019 – World Status Report

September 10, 2019

When traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, set up your institutional safety net and prepare for an emergency as a standard step of all your travels.  Find more information in the Traveler Best Practices webpage.

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.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Yemen – GC.CA – Avoid all travel to Yemen, as the security situation has deteriorated significantly and foreigners are at extreme risk. Commercial means to exit the country are limited to departures from Aden and Seiyun. If you are currently in Yemen, seek safe shelter and remain there unless you can identify safe means of exit.
  • Turkey – U.S. Department of State – Do not travel to: Areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders due to terrorism. Reconsider travel to: Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Van.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Colombia – GC.CA – The presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist groups pose a major risk to travellers in some areas. These groups carry out terrorist activities and finance themselves through extortions and kidnappings. Attacks often result in casualties.
  • Guatemala – GC.CA – On September 4, 2019, the Guatemalan government has declared a state of emergency after the killing of three soldiers by suspected drug traffickers. The state of emergency is in effect until October 7, 2019 in parts of the provinces of Izabal, Zacapa, El Progreso, Peten, Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz. Several municipalities are affected in the north eastern region. During this period, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest. Some civil rights have been suspended, including the right to protest and to hold large meetings. Curfew may also be imposed without notice.
  • Indonesia – GOV.UK – Political tensions in Papua province have given rise to occasional violence and armed attacks between Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the Indonesian authorities, particularly in the Central Highlands area around Puncak Jaya (including Wamena), but also including in Jayapura, Abepura, and Sentani on the north coast, and Timika town on the south coast.
  • Iran – GOV.AU – Tensions in the region have increased with the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria and rising hostility between Iran and Israel. Iranian authorities closely monitor and are active in areas bordering Iraq. The security situation within 10 kilometers of the Iran Iraq border is extremely dangerous.
  • Myanmar – GC.CA – On August 15, 2019, several coordinated attacks took place in the town of Pyin Oo Lwin, in Mandalay Division, as well as in the township of Naung Cho (Nawnghkio) in northern Shan State. Clashes between the military and armed groups have continued, including on August 17. Road and rail infrastructure has been damaged and connections are disrupted in the area. Local authorities have advised travel agencies to cancel tours in the area. The situation is volatile and further violence is possible. The security situation could deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Nigeria – UN News – Nigeria is a pressure cooker of internal conflicts and generalized violence that must be addressed urgently, an independent United Nations expert said on Tuesday, following a fact finding visit to the country.

Crime and Social Unrest

  • Bahrain – GOV.UK – Ashura is an important religious occasion observed by many across Bahrain which includes religious processions, events and activities from 6 – 11 September. Whilst these are expected to be peaceful, there is a possibility they could be targeted by anti-government protestors, which could lead to clashes with the police.
  • Germany – GC.CA – Oktoberfest 2019 will take place in Bavaria from September 21 to October 6, 2019. The event is expected to draw a large number of visitors. Crowding at key sites may attract pickpockets and bag snatchers. If attending any related events, expect enhanced security, including security screening and restrictions on bags, strollers and backpacks.
  • Hong Kong – U.S. Department of State, GOV.UK, GOV.AU – Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong due to civil unrest. Since June 2019, several large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including the international airport. Most have been peaceful, but some have resulted in violent confrontations between the police and protesters.  Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including the deployment of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons.  Protesters have started fires and thrown projectiles at the police.  The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue.
  • Jamaica – GC.CA, GOV.UK, GOV.AU – Due to a significant increase in violent crime since the beginning of the year, the Jamaican government has declared states of emergency for Clarendon parish, St Catherine parish which is Effective until September 18, 2019. St Andrew parish, which includes areas of Kingston which is Effective until October 5, 2019. St James parish, which includes Montego Bay, Hanover parish, Westmoreland parish, which includes Negril which is Effective until October 28, 2019.
  • Peru – GC.CA – On February 19, 2019, the Peruvian Government declared a state of emergency in the province of Madre de Dios due to an ongoing security operation against illegal gold mining in the region. The affected districts are Huepetuhe, Inambari, Laberinto, Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Tambopata.

Demonstrations

  • Georgia – GOV.UK – The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but small-scale demonstrations and opposition rallies are likely, particularly outside Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. These could escalate without warning. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities
  • Zambia – GOV.UK – There have been recent demonstrations directed at South African owned businesses in parts of Lusaka. You should avoid all demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Nigeria- GC.CA – The land border crossing linking Seme Border to Sèmè Kpodji in Benin is only open between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. until further notice.

Health

  • Germany, Poland, Russia, Latvia – ECDC – Vibriosis. As of 5 September 2019, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea was identified as medium to high in Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland), in Koszalin, Kolobrzeg, Gdansk and Ustka (Poland), on the coast bordering Kaliningrad (Russia) and across the Lithuanian coast. Additionally, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth was identified as high to very high in certain areas in Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland) and Kaliningrad (Russia). For the next five days, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth is foreseen to be low across the Lithuanian coast, in Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland), Gdansk (Poland), Liepaja (Latvia) and Kaliningrad (Russia). The environmental suitability for Vibrio growth is expected to be very low for the rest of the region during the same period. About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Certain Vibrio species can also cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water.
  • Greece, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Cyprus, Bulgaria – ECDC – West Nile Virus. Between 30 August and 5 September 2019, EU Member States reported a total of 56 human cases: Greece (30), Italy (11), Romania (6), Hungary (4), Cyprus (3) and Bulgaria (2). EU neighbouring countries reported one case in the North Macedonia. In one area in North Macedonia, Jugozapaden, a human case was reported for this first time. All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, three deaths were reported by Greece (1), Italy (1) and Romania (1). In the same week, three outbreaks among equids were reported to the Animal Disease Notification System by Germany (1), Greece (1) and Italy (1).
  • Marshall Island – GOV.UK – Dengue. The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands has declared a state of health emergency due to an outbreak of Dengue fever. Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine medical procedures in the Marshall Islands. For more serious or complicated problems, medical evacuation to Honolulu may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
  • New Zealand – GOV.UK – Measles. New Zealand is currently suffering a measles outbreak concentrated in Auckland, with 596 cases reported there as of 22 August. Measles is a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening viral illness. It has been most common this year in those aged 20-29 years.
  • Pakistan, Afghanistan – ECDC – Poliomyelitis. Wild poliovirus: Since the last polio update on 24 July 2019 and as of 28 August, 15 new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 have been reported in Pakistan (13) and Afghanistan (2).
  • Republic of Ghana – WHO – Poliovirus. The Ministry of Health has declared detection of poliovirus to be a national public health emergency, in line with temporary recommendations issued by the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee regarding the international spread of poliovirus.
  • Saudi Arabia – ECDC – MERS CoV. Since the previous CDTR published on 2 August 2019, Saudi Arabia is the only country that has notified new cases. As of 2September 2019, Saudi Arabia has reported an increase of six cases and two deaths. So far, 11 of 13 regions in Saudi Arabia have reported 169 cases in 2019, of which one, Najran, has reported cases in the last seven days.

Natural Disasters and Climate

  • Bahamas – GC.CA, GOV.UK, GOV.AU, OCHA – Hurricane Dorian swept through northwestern Bahamas as a major hurricane on September 2 and 3, 2019. The storm brought excessive rainfall and violent winds, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructures on the Grand Bahama and Abaco islands. Severe flooding is affecting Marsh Harbor, the main port of the archipelago, where a majority of homes were damaged. Other parts of Abaco have also been destroyed. The Rand Memorial Hospital, in Freeport, is operational but has limited capacity. Telecommunications are difficult and access to food and clean water may be challenging.
  • India, Sri Lanka – GDACS – The drought has lasted for 8 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
  • Southern Africa, Central America, Mainland Southeast Asia, Chile – GDACS – The drought has lasted for 10 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
  • Japan – GC.CA, GOV.UK, GOV.NZ – Typhoon Faxai is expected to make landfall in the Kanto region between September 8 and 9, 2019. The typhoon is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care.
  • South Korea – GOV.AU – Typhoons occur on the Korean Peninsula in August and September. During severe weather, monitor media for the latest information and follow the advice of local authorities.

Other

  • Vietnam – GOV.UK – The Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has confirmed that further testing at the scene of a fire at a light bulb factory in Hanoi’s Thanh Xuân district on 28 August has discovered levels of mercury significantly in excess of World Health Organization recommended limits. Vietnamese authorities have advised residents living within 500 metres of the factory to take precautionary sanitary measures, including cleaning the home and avoiding using food or water from that area which has been open to the environment. If you’re visiting or living in an affected area, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.

Ebola News

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 4 September 2019, WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 50 additional confirmed cases and four probable cases. During the same period, 42 deaths among confirmed cases were reported.
  • Uganda – ECDC – Ebola. The case reported on29 August 2019 in Kasese District in Uganda died on 30 August. This case was infected in North Kivu (DRC).

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.