111219 – World Status Report

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

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Bolivia – U.S. Department of State , GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.AU , GOV.NZ – Reconsider travel to Bolivia due to civil unrest. There are recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in Bolivia. Demonstrations and marches are centered on city plazas and major thoroughfares. Roadblocks and strikes cut off traffic on main avenues, highways between cities, and airport access and egress. Protestors in major cities are intermittently occupying or blocking access to public institutions and infrastructure, denying access to transportation hubs, banks, and other services. Some opposing protests have resulted in violent confrontations, and local authorities have used crowd control measures to discourage protests. Roadblocks are disrupting transportation nationwide. Access to the El Alto airport in La Paz and the International Airport in Santa Cruz may be blocked without notice. Roads leading to border crossings could also be blocked. Other essential services could be affected in urban and rural areas.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Cameroon – UN News – Ongoing violence in Cameroon’s northwest and southwest has created a fast growing humanitarian emergency now affecting some 1.9 million people, a “15 fold increase since 2017”, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• Myanmar – GC.CA – Clashes between the military and armed groups have been ongoing in northern Shan State since August 2019. They are causing disruptions to road and rail connections in the area. The security situation could deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Rwanda – GOV.UK – The security situation near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi remains unstable, and there have been armed attacks in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks. If you are travelling near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Burundi, you should be aware of the risk of attacks and Government of Rwanda security operations. You should exercise caution and keep up to date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator, the local media and this travel advice.
• Tajikistan – GOV.UK – On 6 November 2019, it was reported that 17 people were killed in an armed attack on a Tajik security checkpoint in Rudaki District on the Tajik/Uzbek border, approximately 60km south west of Dushanbe. The Tajik Government has said that Daesh/ISIS is responsible. Dushanbe remains calm, and there is no special police presence on the streets or at checkpoints. You should exercise caution and vigilance, particularly if travelling near or across the Tajik/Uzbek border.
• Uzbekistan – GOV.UK – On 6 November 2019, it was reported that 17 people were killed in an armed attack on a Tajik security check point on the Uzbek/Tajik border. The Tajik Government has said that Daesh/ISIS was responsible. Tashkent remains calm, and there is no additional police presence on the streets or at checkpoints. You should exercise caution and vigilance, particularly if travelling near or across the Uzbek/Tajik border.

Crime

• Libya – UN News – Libya remains entangled in a “cycle of violence, atrocities and impunity”, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the UN Security Council on Wednesday, nearly a decade since the Court began its work in the country. “There has been an escalation of violence”, she stated, citing reports indicating a “high number of civilian deaths, thousands of persons internally displaced, and a sharp increase in abductions, disappearances and arbitrary arrests across Libya”.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Chile – GOV.UK – Since 18 October there have been large demonstrations across Chile, many resulting in violence. Large demonstrations are expected in Santiago and other cities on a daily basis and there is a risk of violence associated with them. Protests are expected to take place in Las Condes, Providencia and Vitacura where the British Embassy and many international hotels are located. Under Chilean law, foreign nationals visiting or living in Chile could be deported for involvement in protests and demonstrations. You should follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities, remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates and avoid protests and demonstrations. All of Santiago’s public transport – including the metro and buses – is running a limited service at this time. Public transport in other cities may be affected. Some banks, shopping malls, pharmacies and supermarkets are operating reduced hours.
• Ecuador – GOV.AU – Due to nationwide protests in Ecuador, tensions remain high. We recommend you exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador.
• Hong Kong – GOV.AU – There is an ongoing risk of violent confrontation. Expect road closures, transport disruptions and heightened police presence. MTR stations, the Airport Express, shopping centres and businesses (including banks or restaurants) may close or suspend services at short notice. If there are signs of disorder, move away quickly to a safe place. Avoid demonstrations, monitor media, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• India – GC.CA – On August 5, 2019, the Government of India announced constitutional changes that will affect the internal political status of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have increased their presence. Internet and telecommunications services have been temporarily suspended in several areas. Movement restrictions may be put in place without notice. Monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• India – GC.CA – On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court of India should announce its decision concerning rights to disputed land in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This decision could lead to demonstrations and civil unrest. Remain vigilant if you are in this region.
• Indonesia – GOV.UK – Violent protests have taken place in Manokwari, West Papua Province and in Jayapura and Wamena, Papua Province during August and September 2019. You should monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid large gatherings in public areas, including demonstrations and political rallies, as they could become violent with little notice.
• Iraq – GOV.UK – Large protests have been taking place in central Baghdad and across Iraq since 24 October, following a period of unrest in early October. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been frequent violent clashes between Iraqi Security Forces and protesters, resulting in significant casualties including loss of life. There may be restrictions on movement, and the Iraqi authorities have discretion to impose curfews as they deem necessary. You should continue to remain vigilant, follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, avoid any protests, demonstrations or large gatherings, and keep up to date with developments via local media.
• Lebanon – GOV.UK – Protests which started on 17 October 2019 in response to new tax measures proposed by the Lebanese government are ongoing in Beirut and across the country. While protests have been generally peaceful, there has been sporadic violence, including clashes between protestors, security forces and supporters of political groups, as well as incidents of looting and vandalism. You should remain vigilant, avoid all protests, demonstrations and large political gatherings, and keep up to date with developments via local media.
• Peru – GOV.UK – On 19 September, the government declared a 60 day state of emergency due to the risk of collapse of part of the Costa Verde cliff in Lima. The affected areas lie in the districts of San Miguel, Magdalena del Mar, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco and Chorrillos. Authorities are taking action to reduce the risk but you should follow their advice in the area.
• Poland – GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.AU – Several marches and demonstrations took place in Warsaw on November 11, 2019, Poland’s Independence Day.
• Sri Lanka –  GOV.AU , GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.AU – Presidential elections will be held on 16 November. Avoid political gatherings before, during and after the election. Be alert. Monitor the media and other sources about safety and security risks.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Laos – GOV.AU – Lao immigration authorities will stop issuing on arrival visas at a number of entry points from 31 December 2019.

Health

• Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Malta, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom – ECDC – Measles. Measles cases in the EU/EEA primarily occur in unvaccinated populations in both adults and children. Outbreaks are ongoing in countries that had previously eliminated or interrupted endemic transmission. Since the previous monthly measles update in ECDC’s Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) on 11 October 2019, updates have been provided from the listed 18 EU/EEA countries. Other countries did not report new cases of measles. The majority of the countries have reported less than 10 cases in the past month. Most of the cases in 2019 are reported from Romania (2 917), France (2 491), Italy (1 596), Poland (1 377), and Bulgaria (1174).
• Fiji – GOV.AU – Measles. Fiji is experiencing an outbreak of measles. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go. Seek medical assistance if you experience any symptoms.
• Italy, Germany, Greece – ECDC – West Nile Virus. Between 31 October and 7 November 2019, EU Member States reported a total of four human cases of WNV: two in Italy and one in Germany and Greece. No cases were reported from EU neighbouring countries. A human case was reported for the first time from a new area in Germany. This week, two deaths were reported by Greece.
• Japan – ECDC – Mass gathering monitoring. Several cases of influenza, rubella and measles were reported. During weeks 37 to 43 and as of 30 October 2019, the following influenza viruses were detected: AH1pdm09 (91%), AH3 (7%) and B type (2%). According to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases and as of 27 October 2019, seven new rubella cases and two new measles cases have been reported since the previous report.
• Philippines – ECDC – Poliomyelitis. On 5 November 2019, according to the Philippines department of health, a fourth case of presumed vaccine derived polio was confirmed on the island of Mindanao. This island has reported two cases of cVDPV2, on 19 September and 28 October 2019. The fourth case according to media quoting health authorities is a three year old girl resident in the Sultan Kudarat area with travel history to the Maguindanao, area where the third case was identified.

Law and Culture

• Cambodia – GOV.UK – This year, the Water Festival will take place from 10 to 12 November 2019. If you’re visiting Cambodia for the festival, take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. You should expect increased traffic and road closures, especially around the Riverside area of Phnom Penh.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Australia – GOV.UK , GOV.NZ –  Several bushfires are currently burning across Northern New South Wales extending into the Sunshine Coast region in Queensland, with many residents advised to evacuate. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service have advised the Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter regions will experience catastrophic fire danger on Tuesday 12 November 2019. This is the highest possible level of risk. For more information on Fire Danger Ratings visit the New South Wales Rural Fire Service website. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has advised people in areas at risk to move to larger towns, shopping centres or facilities and to keep away from bushland areas. If you’re in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities: New South Wales Rural Fire Service or Queensland Fire & Emergency Services. In the event of emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000). For more information including links to local authorities in your area, see Natural Disasters
• Bangladesh – GC.CA , GOV.UK – Tropical cyclone Matmo should make landfall on the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on or around November 9, 2019. The cyclone is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could disrupt essential services.
• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, China, Argentina, Chile, Australia – GDACS – The drought has lasted for 9 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• India – GC.CA , GOV.UK – Tropical cyclone Bulbul made landfall on the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on or around November 9, 2019. The storm brought excessive rainfall and violent winds to areas of West Bengal. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could disrupt essential services, such as transportation. Expect flight disruptions at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Check with your transportation carrier and/or airline to determine if the disruptions will affect your travel plans.
• India – UN News , GOV.NZ – Unbearable levels of air pollution in India’s capital of New Delhi, declared a public health emergency by the local government as of Monday. Valentin Foltescu, Senior Programme Management Officer for the UN Environment Programme in India, UNEP, told UN News that current levels of fine particulate matter, containing unsafe chemicals harmful to human health, are 40 times higher than the World Health Organization recommended level.
• Papua New Guinea – GOV.UK – Papua New Guinea has a number of active and extinct volcanoes. Mount Ulawun Volcano, on the island of New Britain, has erupted several times this year (1 October, 3 August and 26 June) causing airport closures and, in some cases, evacuations.

Other

• Kosovo – GOV.UK – England take on Kosovo in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match on Sunday 17 November 2019. If you’re travelling to Pristina for the match, check out our dedicated advice page.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of Congo – ECDC – Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 6 November 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 16 additional confirmed cases and one probable case. During the same period, nine deaths among confirmed cases were reported. Overall, there has been a steady number of around 20 cases per week reported in the last few weeks, with only seven health zones active in the past 21 days. The majority of the cases are still reported in, or linked to, the Biakato Mine Health Area. Approximately half (51%) of all cases reported in the past 21 days were located outside of the health zone where they had got infected, with the majority of these movements going to or coming from Mandima Health Zone. On 1 November 2019, 11 000 of the 50 000 doses planned for the first batch of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived in the DRC. This vaccine needs two doses about two months apart and will be used outside of the active health zones. It’s use should start in mid November.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – WHO – Fifteen confirmed cases were reported in the past week (30 October – 5 November) in the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The last assessment, carried out on 8 October 2019, concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low. While the relatively lower case incidence observed is encouraging, it must be interpreted with caution as the situation remains highly contingent upon the level of access and security within affected communities. Concurrent with the decline in case incidence, there was a shift in hotspots from urban settings to more rural, hard to reach communities, within a more concentrated geographical area. These areas bring additional challenges to the response, including an extremely volatile security situation, difficulty accessing some remote areas, delays to engaging with the community which in turn lead to mistrust and misunderstandings, and potential under reporting of cases. In such environments, risks of resurgence remain very high, as do the risks of re dispersion of the outbreak with cases travelling outside of hotspots to seek healthcare or for other reasons. These risks continue to be mitigated by the substantial response and preparedness activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, with support from a consortium of international partners.

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.