102720 – 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 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

• Iran * GOV.UK * The FCDO now advise against all travel within 10 km of the northwest border with Azerbaijan/Armenia, between (and including) the towns of Jolfa and Parsabad.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Azerbaijan * GOV.AU * On 24 October the US Government warned of credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against foreign nationals in Baku, including against hotels such as the JW Marriott Absheron, as well as potentially other locations in Baku. Exercise heightened caution in locations where foreigners may gather. There is ongoing military action in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and reports of shelling outside this region. If you’re already in Azerbaijan, don’t travel outside of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. Follow the local media and advice of local authorities for the latest updates.
• Cameroon * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Children killed in school attack. On 24 October, unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked and killed pupils and staff attending classes at Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy in Kumba, Meme Division, South West region. UN and other local sources report at least 8 fatalities following this atrocity. Injured pupils and staff were rushed to emergency units of health centres in Kumba. It is feared that the death toll from this latest attack may increase. Since 2017, armed separatist groups have enforced a boycott of education in the North West and South West (NW/SW) regions of Cameroon which has translated into regular violent attacks on education facilities, students, and teachers.
• Côte d’Ivoire * GOV.UK * There has been inter-community violence in Dabou since 19 October, with at least 7 deaths during clashes on 21 October. A curfew is currently in place.
• France * GOV.UK * On 16 October 2020, a school teacher was killed and beheaded outside the school where he worked in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a town north west of Paris.
• Mali * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * The humanitarian situation in Mali continues to worsen as a result of armed conflict, inter-community clashes and food shortages. An estimated 6.8 million people (35% of the population) are affected by these crises.
• Tanzania * GOV.UK * Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tanzania. Although Tanzania has not suffered a major terrorist incident since the bombing of the United States embassy in 1998, there have been a number of smaller scale incidents. In October 2020, the village of Kitaya in the Mtwara region was attacked, close to the border with Mozambique. Most attacks target the local security forces, although attacks against western interests are also possible.
• Turkey * GC.CA * On October 23, 2020, the Embassy of the United States in Turkey has issued the following security alert: “The U.S. Mission in Turkey has received credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against U.S. citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, including against the U.S. Consulate General, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey. U.S. citizens are advised to exercise heightened caution in locations where Americans or foreigners may gather, including large office buildings or shopping malls.” Security Alert – Embassy of the United States in Turkey.
• Turkey * GOV.UK * On 23 October the U.S. Embassy in Turkey issued a warning to US citizens of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey. Most terrorist attacks have taken place in the south-east of the country and in Ankara and Istanbul. While there is a potential that citizens from western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in the major cities, attacks are most likely to target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations.
• Turkey * GOV.AU * The US Government has warned of credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against foreign nationals in Istanbul, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey. Exercise heightened caution in locations where foreigners may gather. Turkey has largely reopened its international land, sea and air borders. Many scheduled international flights have resumed. Everyone arriving into Turkey will be subject to medical checks. The wearing of face masks is mandatory at all times outside the home throughout Turkey. Localised lockdowns or curfews may be in place. See ‘Travel’.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Colombia * GOV.AU * A national strike has been called for 21 October. Demonstrations are likely to start at 9am and could continue throughout the day. There will be demonstrations in all main cities. Avoid protests and large gatherings as they can turn violent. Expect traffic and transport disruptions. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Costa Rica * GOV.UK * Demonstrators against government economic reform measures have blocked a number of roads and highways in several parts of the country. Traffic disruptions can arise unexpectedly and at any time due to these demonstrations. There have been reports of violent incidents when drivers have tried to ignore blockades. Check local information and plan your journey carefully to ensure you stay well away from these incidents where possible. Allow extra time for your travel.
• Iraq * GC.CA * Protests have continued throughout the country since October 1, 2019. There is a risk of significant protest activity leading towards October 25, 2020, to honour protestors who died one year ago. Spontaneous protests could take place particularly in city squares, main intersections and in front of universities, schools, and government buildings. Clashes between protestors and security forces have caused multiple casualties. Security forces have used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Security restrictions, such as curfews and checkpoints, can be enforced in some regions and can change on short notice. Internet and/or social media access may be suspended in some areas during periods of civil unrest.
• Kyrgyzstan * GC.CA * Protests have been occurring in several cities since the parliamentary elections, held on October 4, 2020. In Bishkek, protesters broke into the Parliament building. Clashes between protesters and security forces have occurred, resulting in injuries. Police have used tear gas, water cannon and stun grenades to disperse crowds. The political situation remains volatile and unpredictable. If you are currently in Kyrgyzstan: avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on the current situation.
• Lebanon * GOV.AU * The 4 August explosions have caused widespread damage and casualties in Beirut. Hospitals are under strain. Protests are taking place in Beirut, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests and Beirut’s port area.
• Liberia * DOS * Exercise increased caution due to upcoming elections and crime. Elections are scheduled for December 8, 2020. During the election season frequent demonstrations and rallies, both planned and spontaneous, are likely, and there is a heightened risk of violence.
• Nigeria * GC.CA * Violent protests calling for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit have been occurring since the beginning of October 2020 in several cities in the country, including in Abuja and Lagos and their suburbs. Clashes between protesters and security forces have occurred, resulting in several casualties. Police have used gunfire and tear gas, while arson and looting incidents have been reported. Roadblocks are disrupting transportation and access to essential services in the capital. Access to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is difficult. It may be blocked without notice. Flights in and out of Lagos are also disrupted. Local authorities have imposed curfews in several parts of the country. The situation is currently volatile and unpredictable, especially in Lagos. Further protests are likely and may turn violent at any time. If you are in Nigeria: remain cautious, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, expect a heightened security presence, allow extra time to reach your destination, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Nigeria * GOV.AU * There’s ongoing, large-scale protests in Nigeria, as well as reports of widespread violence in Lagos and other locations throughout the country. State-wide curfews are in place in several locations (see ‘Safety’). These curfews may change at short notice. Stay indoors unless you’re an essential service provider or first responder. If you arrive or depart from Lagos Airport, keep your boarding pass and be ready to show it to authorities. This is a rapidly changing situation. A nationwide curfew, due to COVID-19, is still in place from midnight (12am) to 4am.
• Thailand * GOV.AU * Protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand. The security environment can be unpredictable and turn violent. Monitor local news and avoid public gatherings. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Foreigners can’t enter or transit Thailand except in extremely limited circumstances (see ‘Travel’). There are limited flights out of Thailand. Follow the Australian Embassy social media accounts for regular updates on flight options for leaving Thailand.

Health

• French Antilles * Communicable disease threats report, 18-24 October 2020, week 43 * Dengue.  Since the previous update, with data as of 27 September 2020 and as of 10 October 2020, 6 563 additional dengue cases have been reported in Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and Martinique. The following cases have been reported since the previous update: Guadeloupe: 2 190 additional suspected cases, including one death. Saint-Martin: 100 additional suspected cases. Saint-Barthelemy: 93 additional suspected cases. Martinique: 4 180 additional suspected cases, including three deaths. 
• French Guiana * WHO * Mayaro virus disease. On 13 October 2020, the French health authorities officially reported 13 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mayaro fever in French Guiana, France. In September 2020, the Institut Pasteur de la Guyane (IPG) (member of the French National Reference Laboratory for arboviruses) identified two cases of Mayaro virus infection (MAYV) confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and one probable case found positive for Mayaro antibodies. The case-patients presented dengue-like symptoms and joint pains, and tested negative for dengue by RT-PCR. 
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 18-24 October 2020, week 43 * West Nile virus. Between 16 and 22 October 2020, EU Member States reported seven human cases of WNV infection: Greece (5), Spain (1) and the Netherlands (1). All cases, except the case in the Netherlands, were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, no deaths were reported. No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported from EU neighbouring countries.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 18-24 October 2020, week 43 * Influenza. Influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels. None of 151 sentinel specimens tested for influenza viruses in week 42 were positive. Of 7 262 non-sentinel specimens tested, seven were positive (one A unsubtyped and six type B viruses not ascribed to a lineage). There were no hospitalised laboratory-confirmed influenza cases for week 42/2020. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected healthcare presentations and testing capacities of countries and areas in the Region, which negatively impacted reporting of influenza epidemiologic and virologic data during the 2019-2020 season. It is not unusual for influenza activity to be low at this time of year. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic continues, influenza data we present need to be interpreted with caution, notably in terms of seasonal patterns.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 18-24 October 2020, week 43 * Chikungunya and dengue. Chikungunya virus disease: The virus is widespread in the Americas region, with several countries reporting cases in 2020. Chikungunya virus disease cases have also been reported in Asia and Africa during this period. Since the previous CDTR update in September 2020, Brazil, Chad and Thailand have reported the majority of new cases. Dengue: Since the beginning of the year, the countries reporting most cases are Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and Malaysia.

Law and Culture

• Japan * GC.CA * Japanese family law is different from Canadian family law. An important difference is that joint custody of a child after separation is not a legal option if one of the parents is a Japanese national, and access rights for a non-custodial parent can be limited, if at all. If you are involved in a custody or other family law dispute in Japan, consult a family lawyer.
• Pakistan * GOV.UK * Blasphemy is illegal and has a broad definition in Pakistani law. It includes public and private comments in any form, including those on social media. The state enforces blasphemy laws and there are significant criminal penalties up to and including the death penalty. In addition, those accused of blasphemy are at significant risk of violence from members of the public. Religious minorities have been victims of blasphemy accusations and violence, including killings.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Europe * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Floods and flood warnings. Georgia: threshold level 2/2 exceeded for Tskhenisckali – Ludji station. Iceland: threshold level 2/3 exceeded for 2 catchments in western part of the country. Italy: warning level 2/2 for Liguria and Lombardia regions. Poland: threshold level 2/2 exceeded for 11 stations in the south-west of the country. Spain: threshold level exceeded in Tajo river basin.
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Floods. Several parts of Indonesia have been affected by flooding following five days of heavy rain. 501 people are displaced and 1,469 houses and public buildings damaged in West Java Province and floods in Bekasi Regency and Depok City have affected 7,600 people. Floods in Central Kalimantan Province have affected 435 people, damaging 87 houses. 60 people are displaced in West Sumatra Province, 325 affected and 60 houses damaged. Warnings have been issued for heavy rain, lightning and strong winds for West Java, and Central Kalimantan.
• Mexico * GC.CA * Tropical storm Zeta could become a hurricane by October 27, 2020, and should affect the Yucatán Peninsula. As the storm develops, the U.S. National Hurricane Center will continue to issue alerts and warnings for the potentially affected areas. If you reside in or are travelling to the Yucatán Peninsula: monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities, contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt travel arrangements.
• Mexico * GOV.UK * Tropical Storm Zeta is expected to strengthen during the course of 26 October bringing hurricane conditions and storm surge. The storm is forecast to impact to the northern Yucatan Peninsula (including the areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and potentially Tulum). You should follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Mexico, Cuba * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Tropical Storm ZETA. New Tropical Storm ZETA’s centre was approximately 400 km south-east of Cozumel Island (off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula) on 26 October at 3.00 UTC, with maximum sustained winds of 93 km/h. ZETA is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 Hurricane before making landfall over Cozumel Island and northern Quintana Roo State, near Playa del Carmen Town on the morning of 27 October, with maximum sustained winds of 120-140 km/h. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for residents in coastal areas of northern Quintana Roo. A hurricane warning has been issued for coastal areas from central Quintana Roo (including Cozumel) to eastern Yucatan. A tropical storm warning is in effect for eastern Cuba. 
• Philippines * GC.CA * Molave will affect the Philippines on October 25 and 26, 2020. The tropical storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Philippines, China, Vietnam * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Tropical cyclone MOLAVE. Tropical Cyclone MOLAVE (QUINTA in the Philippines) made landfall over southern Luzon close to Lagazpi City on 25 October as a typhoon. On 26 October, its centre was 43 km west of Mindoro with maximum sustained wind of 139 km/h. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated across the Bicol and CAR regions. One person is reported missing in Batangas Province (Calabarzon region). Floods, landslides, power outages and evacuations have affected different parts of the country. More than 100,000 people were evacuated yesterday from Albay (Bicol region). People were also evacuated from Mimaropa and Calabarzon regions. Local government actors are providing relief assistance. Typhoon MOLAVE is forecast to strengthen as it moves west-northwest and to make landfall over central Vietnam early on 28 October. Heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge are forecast over most parts the of Calabarzon, Mindoro, Bicol and Central Luzon. Extreme flood warnings have been issued across Eastern Visayas and Bicol.
• Philippines, China, Vietnam * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Tropical cyclone SAUDEL update. Tropical Cyclone SAUDEL made landfall over central Quang Bình Province (central Vietnam) on 25 October as a tropical depression bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge. 700 families were evacuated in Quang Binh Province and travel disruption across Hainan Island (China). According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 31,000 people were sheltering in evacuation centres and 165,763 affected across the Regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Philippines). For the next 24 hours, heavy rain and strong winds are forecast over most parts North Central Coast Region of Vietnam. Typhoon MOLAVE is also forecast to make landfall over Quang Ngai Province bringing more heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge.
• United States * ECHO Daily Flash of 26 October 2020 * Wildfire update. Wildfires have continued to burn in California and Colorado States. In California, 31 people have died and 10,488 structures have been damaged as a result. On 23 October, there were still 17 large active fires and 942,633 hectares burned. Unprecedented weather conditions in Colorado have accelerated the burning of 171,236 hectares. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents of Rocky Mountain National Park and 2 people died in Grand Lake Town. Red flag warnings for extreme conditions have been issued for most of California and central-southern Nevada.  According to the Global Wildfire Information System, the fire risk will be extreme over central-southern California, most of Arizona and southern Nevada on 26-27 October.

Other

• Costa Rica * GOV.UK * In 2019, there were a number of deaths and cases of serious illness in Costa Rica caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol. Criminal gangs have been reported to manufacture bottles of alcohol containing high amounts of methanol. These included a number of cheap brands of local spirits, such as vodka and ‘guaro’ (cane liquor). Further incidents -were reported in October 2020 involving a spirit of the “Fiesta Blanca” brand. You should take care when buying all spirit-based drinks.
• Turkey * GOV.UK * If you are travelling to Turkey to undertake a medical procedure, you should ensure that your chosen medical facility is accredited with the Turkish authorities. You can find a list of those facilities that have accreditation on the Health Services General Directorate website.
• Zimbabwe * GOV.UK * Public transport is currently very limited. Public transport and services are unreliable. Commuter omnibuses or “combis” are often overcrowded, inadequately maintained, uninsured and recklessly driven. You should avoid them if possible. Larger intercity buses may also be poorly driven. There have been a number of serious road accidents involving long distance buses travelling at night.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo * Communicable disease threats report, 18-24 October 2020, week 43 * Ebola. Since the last update, and as of 20 October 2020, no additional cases and no new deaths have been reported from the Equateur Province in the DRC. The last confirmed case was reported more than 21 days ago (28 September 2020) in the Makanza Health Zone. Despite this outbreak showing signs of slowing down, there is evidence that it is still ongoing. The response remains challenging, e.g. contacts are lost to follow up, confirmed cases still remain in the community and there are difficulties in carrying out safe and dignified burials.

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.