111919 – 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

Conflict and Terrorism

• Thailand – GOV.UK – The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to areas within the provinces on the Thailand Malaysia border, including Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Southern Songkhla province. This does not include areas north of and including the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and areas north west of and including the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Pedang Besar.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Burkina Faso – GC.CA – On December 31, 2018, Burkinabe authorities declared a state of emergency in several regions along the borders with Mali, Niger, Benin and Togo. Curfews could be imposed at any point. Expect an increased security presence and checkpoints. Follow the instructions of local authorities in these regions
• Indonesia – GOV.UK – Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Types of attacks have included suicide bombing and small arms fire, targeting public and crowded places. Be vigilant and take care at all times.
• Israel, The West Bank and the Gaza Strip – GC.CA , GOV.AU , GOV.UK – On November 12, 2019, multiple rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Southern Israel and towards Rishon Le Zion and Holon. Warning sirens have sounded in Tel Aviv and in communities in southern Israel.  At least two rockets were intercepted over Tel Aviv. Israel’s Home Front Command have declared an emergency situation in Southern Israel and has instructed businesses and schools to close including in Tel Aviv. Highways and train services are closed within 80km from the Gaza Strip. The security situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly. Keep up to date with Home Front Command for further information and advice.
• Terrorism Advisory for Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, Belgium, Austria – GOV.UK – There is a general threat from terrorism. There may be increased security in place over the festive period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Bolivia – GC.CA, GOV.UK – The political situation is currently volatile and unpredictable in Bolivia, especially since President’s resignation on November 10. Following the announcement, demonstrations have become larger and more violent. There have also been incidents of arson, vandalism and looting in La Paz. Tensions remain high throughout the country, especially in La Paz’s neighbouring city of El Alto. Demonstrations have taken place in several cities across the country since October 21, 2019. They are likely to continue. They could happen without notice and suddenly turn violent. Clashes between protesters and security forces have happened, resulting in injuries. Police have used tear gas to disperse crowds. 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. Disruptions to public transportation are likely, including to the cable car system “Mi Teleferico” and minibuses in La Paz. Other essential services could also be affected in urban and rural areas.
• Chile – GOV.UK – Since 18 October there have been large demonstrations across Chile. Protests have resulted in incidents of violence and travel disruption in cities and towns, including Santiago, Temuco, Iquique, Conception and Rancagua. There have been reports of looting and clashes in parts of Punta Arenas, Santiago, Viña del Mar, Arica, Puerto Montt, Valparaiso, Antofagasta, and Iquique.  Police resources may be limited and support to respond to incidents slower than normal.  You should follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities, remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates and avoid protests and demonstrations.
• Colombia – GC.CA, GOV.UK -Labour unions called for a nationwide general strike on November 21, 2019. Large demonstrations will likely affect major cities including Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cartagena, Medellín. There may be significant disruption, especially in Bogotá. Airports may close and major highways may be blocked at short notice. Roadblocks may be erected. Public demonstrations can be confrontational and turn violent. You should remain vigilant, avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Ethiopia – GOV.UK – A referendum on the question of forming a new regional state will be held in the Sidama Zone of Southern Nations Region on 20 November, with the results expected in the days following. Street protests around this issue have led to violence in the past. If you are in the area you should ensure you familiarise yourself with the relevant sections of this travel advice, exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
• France – GC.CA – Several protests are expected in Paris and other cities on November 16 and 17, 2019 to mark the anniversary of the yellow vests movement.
• Greece – GOV.UK – A large scale protest will take place in the centre of Athens on 17 November to mark the anniversary of the 1973 Athens Polytechnic uprising. A rally will take place at the Polytechnic university from approximately 3pm, followed by a march through central Athens after 3pm. Extensive road closures in the centre of Athens are expected. You should follow the advice of local authorities and avoid areas where the protest will take place.
• Haiti – GC.CA – Violent protests and widespread civil unrest have been taking place in Haiti since September 2, 2019 due to ongoing political instability. In addition to this volatile situation, the country is also experiencing water, food and fuel shortages. Many businesses and banks are closed, making it difficult to access cash and commodities of all kinds. Burning barricades are disrupting traffic in the main streets of Port au Prince. Roadblocks are also severely disrupting transportation nationwide. There have been reports of armed protesters who throw rocks or shoot at vehicles that get close or kidnap people for ransom money. Access to the airport may be blocked without notice. Clashes between protestors and security forces have occurred. Police have used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Additional protests are expected. Acts of violence could happen without notice.
• Hong Kong – U.S. Department of State , GC.CA , GOV.UK , GOV.AU – Since June 2019, large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including MTR stations, shopping malls, universities, and at Hong Kong International airport. Currently, a protracted violent clash between protestors and police at Polytechnic University spread into nearby areas in Kowloon, with extensive use of tear gas. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, some have resulted in violent confrontations between protesters and police – or between protesters and people who oppose the demonstrations – leading to serious injuries. Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including tear gas, live ammunition, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and water cannons. On October 4, the government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban face masks at public gatherings. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal. Although many protest sites are made public in advance, authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists. Expect road closures and disruptions to traffic and transportation in affected areas. During protests, bus routes, MTR stations, the Hong Kong Macao Ferry Terminal, the Airport Express and Hong Kong International Airport have temporarily suspended operations, sometimes without warning. Businesses may also close suddenly.
• Iran – GOV.UK – There are currently sporadic protests in towns and cities across Iran about a recent increase in petrol prices. You should exercise caution and avoid any protests or rallies and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
• Nepal – GOV.AU – On 30 November 2019, several by elections will take place throughout Nepal. Avoid protests and large public gatherings before, during and after the elections. Small scale improvised explosives have been used in the past. Monitor the media and other sources about emerging security risks.
• Nigeria – GOV.UK – Local elections for Governor will take place on 16 November in Bayelsa and Kogi states. Travel into and movement within the states will be restricted on election day. There have been reports of politically related violence and deaths in recent days. The FCO continue to advise against travel to both states (see above). If you’re in these areas or decide to travel, you should continue to avoid large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and use local radio and TV to stay updated on the current security situation.
• Pakistan – GOV.UK – Following the end of their sit in political protest in Islamabad on 14 November 2019, opposition party Jamiat Ulema I Islam (JUI F) has announced a plan to block some major highways and roads around the country. You should exercise caution in travelling during this time and follow advice from the local authorities.
• Tanzania – GOV.UK  – Local elections are due to take place on 24 November 2019. You should remain vigilant and avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, move away quickly to a safe place. Keep up to date with developments via local media and this travel advice.

Health

• China – GOV.UK – An outbreak of pneumonic plague has occurred in the Inner Mongolia region of China. Plague is endemic in parts of China, including Inner Mongolia, with approximately 5 cases reported from China since 2014.
• Europe Union – ECDC – A multi country outbreak of Salmonella Mikawasima infection has been identified by whole genome sequencing in several EU countries in 2019.
• India – ECDC – On 6 November 2019, a paper was published about the first case of human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus in India. The case is a 17 month old boy from Melghat District, Maharashtra State, India. He developed a fever, cough, breathlessness, and difficulty feeding on 31 January 2019. The nasopharyngeal swab was taken two days after the onset of symptoms and tested positive by PCR for influenza A(H9N2) virus on 12 February 2019. The case recovered uneventfully.
• Italy, Germany, Greece, Romania – ECDC – West Nile Virus. Between 8 and 14 November 2019, EU Member States reported a total of six human cases of West Nile virus infections: five in Italy and one in Germany. No cases were reported from EU neighbouring countries. A human case was reported for the first time from a new area in Germany: in Leipzig, Kreisfreie Stadt. This week, three deaths were reported by Greece (2) and Romania (1).
• Montserrat – GOV.UK – There have been two confirmed cases of dengue fever in Montserrat recently.
• Republic of Sudan – WHO – On 10 October 2019, the National IHR Focal Point for Sudan notified WHO of 47 suspected cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), including two deaths in Arb’aat Area, Towashan Village, in El Qaneb locality, Red Sea State. The suspected cases presented with high grade fever, headaches, joint pain, vomiting. There were no hemorrhagic signs or symptoms observed. The first case presented to the health facility on 19 September 2019.
• Samoa – GOV.AU , GOV.UK  – The Government of Samoa declared a one month state of emergency on 15 November 2019 in response to a measles epidemic. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go.

Law and Culture

• Chile – GOV.AU, GC.CA – Local law prohibits political activity by foreign nationals. Participation in protests or demonstrations, or promoting dissent, including on social media, may result in detention or deportation. Avoid protests and follow advice from local authorities.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Austria – GOV.UK – Due to heavy rain and snowfall in Alpine areas over the past few days there have been many road closures across the country, particularly in the provinces of Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia. For more details in German you should check the ÖAMTC website. Local authorities are monitoring the risk of mudslides and avalanches and will close / open roads accordingly. You should follow the instructions of local authorities if you are in an affected area.
• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Australia – GDACS – The drought has lasted for 9 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• India – GOV.UK – Severe air pollution is a major hazard to public health, especially during the winter months. New Delhi and other North Indian cities are currently experiencing extremely high levels of pollution. Children, the elderly, and those with pre existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant, or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.
• Italy – GOV.UK – There has been flooding in parts of Venice, caused by seasonal high waters and heavy rainfall. Other parts of northern and central Italy have also been affected. Further strong winds, heavy rainfall and storms are forecast from Friday 15 November into the weekend. The Italian Civil Protection Department has issued a red weather warning for the Veneto region, including the city of Venice. If you’re in affected areas, you should monitor weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities. If you’re due to travel, you may wish to check with your tour operator or accommodation provider for updates on individual travel plans.
• Philippines – GDACS – An earthquake occurred in Philippines potentially affecting 8070000 people within 100km. The earthquake had Magnitude 5.9M, Depth:25.79km. Tropical Cyclone KALMAEGI 19 can have a medium humanitarian impact based on the maximum sustained wind speed, exposed population and vulnerability.

Other

• Kenya – GOV.UK – Silverstone Air Services have temporarily suspended all scheduled services, effective 12 November 2019. See Air travel.
• Spain – GOV.UK – Chelsea take on Valencia CF in a UEFA Champions League group match in Valencia on Wednesday 27 November 2019. If you’re travelling to Valencia for the match, check the British Consulate’s information and advice page for travelling fans in addition to this travel advice.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of Congo – ECDC – Ebola. Since the previous CDTR and as of 13 November 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported six additional confirmed cases. During the same period, one death was reported among confirmed cases. This week a further decrease in cases was observed, with other indicators also showing improvement, such as all new cases being known contacts, a lower number of community deaths, and a shorter delay from symptom onset to admission. All cases this week resulted from local transmission in Beni and Mabalako, but had earlier transmission chains in Biakato. Ongoing local transmission in the Bingo and Ngoyo Health Areas of Mabalako is challenging due to some security issues causing difficulties with the response activities. On 14 November 2019, Ebola vaccination began with the Ad26.ZEBOV / MVA BN Filo vaccine, produced by Janssen Pharmaceuticals for Johnson & Johnson. This vaccine will be used outside of the active health zones in two health areas in the city of Goma. The logistics for this vaccination are being coordinated by MSF who stated that 40 people were vaccinated on the first day.

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.