Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
Imported cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been confirmed in several countries. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Portugal, Croatia, Finland, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia have reported limited human-to-human transmission of COVID-19. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Authorities in several countries have introduced travel restrictions and health screening measures at various airports amid the global COVID-19 outbreak. While measures initially applied primarily to travelers arriving either directly or indirectly from China, some countries have now extended restrictions to travelers from Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Some airlines have temporarily suspended flight operations. Travelers should anticipate related disruption at airports and reconfirm their itineraries, as well as the overall feasibility of their journeys, given the increased restrictions.
AMERICAS
Regional
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Argentina, Chile, the
Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers in affected locations are
advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people
who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high
fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Several countries have introduced travel restrictions to contain the spread of
the COVID-19 disease outbreak. Health screening measures are in place at
various ports of entry across the Americas. While initially applying primarily
to travelers arriving directly or indirectly from China, some countries have
extended restrictions to travelers from Iran, Italy, Singapore, and South
Korea. Several airlines have also suspended or reduced flights to and from
several countries. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries accounting
for disruption at airports. Passengers traveling from China or other countries
affected by the outbreak should anticipate more stringent scrutiny and
ascertain overall feasibility of travel prior to departure.
United
States
On March 4, authorities stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is not currently
spreading widely in the United States. Cases of the novel strain of
coronavirus, currently causing an outbreak of pneumonia in mainland China, have
been confirmed in people in the United States. Imported cases have been
detected in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and
Wisconsin, and in people who were evacuated from China. Two instances of
human-to-human transmission to family members has occurred. Public health
authorities have implemented quarantine for those evacuated from Hubei
Province, China.
Travelers arriving to the US from or through China should expect heightened
screening measures for COVID-19 and related disruption. All flights from
China are being re-routed through 11 airports (JFK, ORD, SFO, SEA, HNL, LAX,
ATL, IAD, EWR, DFW & DTW), while additional entry restrictions for
travelers from China will also be implemented. Foreign nationals who have
visited Iran in the past 14 days have also been barred from re-entering the US.
The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) warning for
mainland China. The State Department advises US citizens not to travel to China
due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. The World Health
Organization has determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public
Health Emergency of International Concern. Travelers should be prepared for
travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. US
citizens currently in China should consider departing using commercial means.
The Department of State has requested that all non-essential US. government
personnel defer travel to China in light of the novel coronavirus. To help
contain the novel coronavirus, Chinese authorities have suspended air, road,
and rail travel in the area around Wuhan and placed restrictions on travel and
other activities throughout the country. On January 23, 2020, the Department of
State ordered the departure of all non-emergency US. personnel and their family
members from Wuhan. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency
services to US citizens in Hubei Province.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that travelers who are residents
of New York state will no longer be able to enroll in Global Entry and other
Trusted Traveler Programs due to aspects of the state’s “Green Light Law” which
protect undocumented immigrants. Existing members of Global Entry and other
Trusted Traveler Programs will still be able use these services. Only new enrollments
or re-enrollments will be curtailed for New York residents. Other programs that
will no longer accept applications from New York residents include the Secure
Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI); NEXUS, which allows
for expedited border crossing between the US and Canada; and the Free And
Secure Trade (FAST) program, which allows faster clearance for commercial
shipments between the US border, Canada, and Mexico. The TSA PreCheck program
is not part of this new restriction.
Argentina
On Sunday, March 8 and Monday, March 9, travelers in urban centers should avoid
demonstrations linked to proposed legislation that would legalize abortion in
the country. The Catholic Church of Argentina has called for nationwide
protests on Sunday, March 8 to oppose the bill, which President Alberto
Fernandez intends to bring before Congress sometime next week. Pro-abortion
activists plan to gather on Monday, March 9 in front of the National Congress
building in Buenos Aires at 9:00 PM local time in support of the new law. While
related demonstrations are expected to pass off peacefully, they will likely
cause significant traffic disruption in their vicinity.
Canada
Cases
of the novel coronavirus, currently causing an outbreak in mainland China have
been confirmed. All individuals had a recent travel history to Wuhan. Travelers
to affected locations are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid
direct contact with people who are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of
pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, who is or has been
in an affected location should seek medical attention.
Travelers should expect additional screening measures at airports following an
increase in reported 2019-Novel Coronavirus cases in China. The Canadian Border
Services Agency has announced that passengers arriving from international
flights at Montreal-Trudeau (YUL), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR)
international airports will be asked a screening question as part of the regular
arrival process. Passengers identified to be at an increased risk may be
required to undergo further screening. Travelers should anticipate related
disruption and follow all official directives.
Guyana
Travelers should anticipate increased security and plan journeys avoiding
protests linked to the announcement of the March 2 General Election results.
These results are expected to be announced today but may be delayed. Related
demonstrations by supporters of defeated candidates can be anticipated in Georgetown
and other cities, with potential venues including government buildings, key
squares and major thoroughfares. Local scuffles between participants and
security forces are possible, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Mexico
On Sunday, March 8 and Monday, March 9, travelers should plan journeys
bypassing protests against femicide and genderbased violence and inequality to
mark International Women’s Day. In Mexico City, participants will gather at the
Revolution Monument at 1:30 PM local time and march to the Zocalo on Sunday,
March 8. Related demonstrations are expected in urban centers throughout the
country. On Monday, March 9, women’s rights groups have called for “A Day
without Women,” instructing women to stay home from work and school.
St Barthelemy
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the French overseas
territory of Saint-Barthelemy. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from
human-to-human has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this
stage of any further spread in St Bartelemy. Travelers in affected locations
are advised to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with
people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high
fever and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
St
Martin
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the French overseas
territory of Saint-Martin. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough,
sore throat, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-to-human
has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any
further spread in St Martin. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay
attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick.
Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of
breath, should seek medical attention.
Venezuela
Travelers should avoid demonstrations in Caracas due to a credible risk of
unrest. The United Socialist Party of Venezuela has called for demonstrations
to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the death of Former President Hugo
Chavez. Participants will gather at Cuartel de la Montana today, as well as
tomorrow and Sunday, March 8. On Sunday, March 8, participants will join a
march observing International Women’s Day which will culminate at Plaza
Morelos.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Regional
Countries across the region continue to impose health screening measures at
airports along with some travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 outbreak. While
the measures particularly apply to passengers arriving from China, where the
outbreak originated, some countries are advising 14-day self-quarantine for
travelers arriving from other countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of
March 4, two countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have confirmed cases: Nigeria and
Senegal. Travelers should anticipate related disruption at affected airports
and reconfirm their itineraries.
Travelers in Israel and the Palestinian Territories should reconfirm
itineraries amid entry restrictions and flight cancellations due to the
COVID-19 outbreak. Beginning today, Israel will deny entry to travelers
arriving from several European countries unless they are able to
self-quarantine for 14 days, extending previous restrictions for travelers from
other affected areas. Yesterday, the Palestinian Authority announced that all
tourists are barred from entering the West Bank. El Al Airlines has canceled
flight connections to several destinations in Europe and Asia, while Lufthansa,
Swiss and Austrian Airways have canceled all flights to Israel.
Congo
(DRC)
Increasing cases of monkeypox have been reported in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo (DRC). Monkeypox is a rare viral disease present in the DRC. People
can contract the virus from an infected animal by being bitten or through
contact with an infected animal’s skin, blood or bodily fluids. Infected people
can pass on the disease to others. Travelers should prevent infection by
following good hygiene measures and avoiding contact with animals.
Guinea
Travelers should minimize movement during all election-related gatherings,
including protests called by the opposition Front for the Defense of the
Constitution (FNDC) party. The opposition leader, Bah Oury, and other
politicians from the Circle of Actors for the Republic (CAR) opposition
movement have threatened to hold a large-scale demonstration on March 10. The
FNDC has called for nationwide demonstrations on March 12. Travelers should
avoid all gatherings due to the high risk of unrest.
Iran
US authorities advise all non-essential travel to Iran be deferred due to an
outbreak of COVID-19. In response, several countries have closed their land
borders with Iran and suspended flights. COVID-19 can cause symptoms of fever,
cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Travelers are advised to pay
attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick.
Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness who may have been exposed to
COVID-19 should seek medical attention according to the local procedure.
Palestinian
Territories
The first cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Palestinian Territories.
This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and
shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in
other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in
the Palestinian Territories. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay
attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick.
Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of
breath, should seek medical attention.
Saudi
Arabia
Travelers should reconfirm their itineraries following new entry restrictions
related to the COVID-19 outbreak. On February 26, authorities announced that
entry on tourist visas would be suspended for nationals of certain countries
with confirmed cases of COVID-19, later clarifying that entry would also be
suspended for any non-residents who had traveled to these countries in the last
14 days, regardless of nationality or visa type. Entry for the Umrah Pilgrimage
or to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is also temporarily suspended. Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) Nationals must use passports to enter Saudi Arabia,
rather than national identity cards.
South
Africa
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in South Africa. This
new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness
of breath. Although transmission from human-to-human has occurred in other
countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any further spread in South
Africa. Travelers in affected locations are advised to pay attention to general
hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Anyone with symptoms
of pneumonia, which include high fever and shortness of breath, should seek
medical attention.
Tunisia
Today, an explosion occurred in Tunis at around 10:20 AM local time near the
first checkpoint at the US Embassy. Early reports suggest it was a suicide
bombing by a man on a motorcycle. The attacker was killed, and no other deaths
or injuries have been reported.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Regional
Countries continue to implement additional travel restrictions and health
screening measures at transportation hubs, including airports, seaports and
border crossings, to contain the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. While
stringent restrictions apply primarily to passengers arriving from mainland
China, many countries are expanding these measures. Travelers should therefore
maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared for short-notice changes to entry
restrictions. Travelers coming from countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19
or who have transited through mainland China within 14 days of arrival at their
destination or place of transit should reconfirm the feasibility of travel.
The Hong Kong government has implemented restrictions as part of measures to
curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Travelers should continue to
reconfirm the overall feasibility of travel to Hong Kong and plan journeys
accounting for restrictions between Hong Kong and other affected countries,
including mainland China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran. The Hong Kong
government has also closed most routes between the city and the mainland China
to curb the outbreak of COVID-19.
Afghanistan
Today, travelers in Kabul should exercise caution following an attack in the Dasht-e-Barchi
area. Unknown gunmen opened fire at approximately 11:20 AM local time on a
religious ceremony commemorating the 1995 death of ethnic-Hazara leader Abdul
Ali Mazari, a well-known figure in Afghan politics. Several high-ranking
politicians, including Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah
and Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council Karim Khalili, attended the
gathering. At least 27 people were killed, and 29 injured.
Bangladesh
Travelers in Dhaka and other urban centers should avoid further protests
against the planned visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), an Islamist political party, has called for
nationwide rallies today. These are likely to take place after Friday midday prayers
outside mosques or adjacent areas. Local disturbances are possible, though
these are likely to be quickly contained by security forces. Participants may
also block roads, causing disruption.
French
Polynesia
From March 9-31, all passengers, including airline crew, traveling to or
transiting through French Polynesia must present a medical certificate or
doctor’s certificate, dated within 5 days of departure and certifying the
travelers’ state of health is free of any clinical sign of detectable infection.
Today through March 9, travelers who have visited or transited through a risk
area in the 30 days preceeding the trip must present a medical certificate or a
doctor’s certificate dated within 5 days of departure and certifying the
traveler’s state of health is free of any clinical sign of detectable infection
when boarding flights to French Polynesia. Current risk areas include China,
Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Hong-Kong, India, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal,
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Iran, and Italy
(Lombardy, Venetia, and Emilia Romagna).
India
On
March 9-10, travelers should expect disruption to transportation and commercial
activities during the Hindu festival of Holi. The festival, popular among
locals and tourists alike, will be celebrated nationwide; however, larger
festivities are expected in New Delhi, as well as in northern and western
states. Participants of the festival commonly throw colored water and brightly
colored powder at pedestrians as part of celebrations. Travelers should
anticipate a heightened security presence in affected areas and maintain
vigilance.
Indonesia
Today, travelers in Jakarta should avoid a planned demonstration outside the
Embassy of India. Several Islamic groups behind the demonstration, including
the hardline Islamic Defenders Front and 212 Alumni Brotherhood, have said it
is in response to recent violence targeting Muslims in India. Heightened
security around the premises can be expected, and police may divert traffic on several
roads in the area. Protests by similar groups are generally well attended and
largely peaceful; however, local scuffles between security forces and
demonstrators remain possible.
Japan
Yesterday, flight cancellations were reported on Hokkaido Island due to heavy
snowfall. Services at New Chitose Airport (CTS) and Tokachi-Obihiro Airport
(OBO) were among those affected. With the Japan Meteorological Agency having
issued Heavy Snow Warnings for parts of the island, travelers should be
prepared for road disruption and maintain flexible itineraries.
Myanmar
Further fighting between the military and the Arakan Army (AA) occurred on
February 29 in Myaung Bway village, killing at least 11 people, and injuring
18. The recent incident, along with a surge of hostilities in Rakhine and Chin
states since early February, highlights the risks associated with travel to
these locations.
Pakistan
On Sunday, March 8, travelers in urban centers, including Islamabad, Lahore and
Karachi, should avoid rallies associated with International Women’s Day due to
the risk of local unrest. A petition had initially been filed to ban the
marches, dubbed “Aurat March.” A court in Lahore rejected it, and the rallies
are expected to proceed as scheduled and will likely be well-attended. While
statements by a few groups calling for the cancellation of the marches are
unlikely to affect the events, it indicates a potential for local unrest during
the gatherings. Disruption resulting from large crowds and heightened security
are expected around these events.
South
Korea
Non-essential travel to Daegu city and Cheongdo county should be deferred, and
non-essential travel to the rest of the country should be reconsidered due to
an outbreak of COVID-19. The South Korean government has raised the alert level
to Red, the highest on a four-tiered system. Health authorities have
implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing people
who may have been exposed to the virus. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms
of fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Travelers are advised to
pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are
sick. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness who may have been exposed to
COVID-19 should seek medical attention according to the local procedure.
Thailand
Yesterday, the Tourism Authority of Thailand published a clarification
regarding the country’s measures to contain COVID-19, stating that authorities
do not recommend restrictions for travelers arriving from China and other
countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases. The announcement was likely intended
to address confusion over a deleted social media post by the country’s Health
Minister on March 3, which laid out quarantine measures for travelers from several
countries. Travelers should continue to monitor developments and reconfirm
their itineraries and the overall feasibility of travel prior to departure. The
potential for authorities to impose additional travel restrictions at short
notice cannot be discounted.
Turkmenistan
Enhanced measures to prevent the potential importation of COVID-19 have been
implemented by authorities. The screening measures at international airports
have unclear methods, scope and criteria; outbound travel options have been reduced,
and quarantine is reportedly being applied arbitrarily. Given the potential for
further reduction in outbound travel options and the introduction of internal
travel restrictions, as well as difficulty in ascertaining accurate information
in a timely manner, non-essential staff should be withdrawn using available
commercial air options.
Uzbekistan
Travelers should reconfirm their itineraries following the announcement of
entry restrictions to limit the potential importation of COVID-19 cases. The Health
Ministry noted that travelers arriving directly from China, South Korea, Iran,
Italy, Afghanistan and Japan will be quarantined for up to 14 days and will not
be allowed to leave the quarantine facility during this period. Further
restrictions could be applied at short notice by authorities.
EUROPE Regional
Imported cases of COVID-19 (formerly 2019-novel coronavirus disease) have been
confirmed in multiple countries. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although transmission from human-tohuman
has occurred in other countries, there is no suggestion at this stage of any
further spread in these locations. Travelers in affected locations are advised
to pay attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who
are obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of pneumonia, which include high fever
and shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.
Several countries in the region have implemented travel restrictions to limit
the potential importation of COVID-19. Screening measures should be expected in
most airports across the region. These have applied primarily to travelers
arriving from China, though some countries and airlines are also implementing
measures for those traveling to and from Iran, South Korea, and Italy.
Travelers should be prepared for flight cancellations and disruption at
airports during the outbreak and should account for the risk of further
expansion of the outbreak and subsequent restrictions.
On Sunday, March 8, travelers should plan routes bypassing International
Women’s Day celebrations. Rallies denouncing violence against women will take
place in Almaty and Baku, while women-only events are planned in Kiev. Similar
events are also likely in other cities in the region. While a planned gathering
in Bishkek has been banned, any unauthorized demonstrations may be met by a
tough security force response.
Travelers should monitor developments along the Greece-Turkey border following
a decision by Turkish authorities to allow refugees access to EU territories.
Clashes involving refugees and Greek and Turkish border patrols broke out on
February 29-March 1 at the Kastanies-Pazarkule Border Crossing. Greek security
forces used tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades to disperse the crowd
and deter attempts to cross. Travelers should anticipate a heightened security
presence and the potential for unrest as refugees gather at the border
crossing.
Travelers in the UK and EU should continue to monitor developments and follow
all government guidelines related to the process of the UK leaving the EU,
known as “Brexit.” A withdrawal agreement was signed into law on January 23
after being ratified by the UK Parliament. Under the agreement, the UK left the
EU at 11:00 PM local time on January 31. There will now be a transition period,
during which most laws will remain unchanged. Local gatherings relating to
Brexit may take place in the UK, with most such events likely to be focused on
Parliament Square in London.
France
Today through Monday, March 9, passengers transiting French airports should
anticipate disruption and reconfirm their flights during a nationwide air
traffic controllers’ strike. The industrial action will be held from 7:00 PM
local time today through 6:30 AM local time on Monday, March 9. The work
stoppage, which has been called by the USAC-CGT union, is linked to ongoing
protests over pension reforms. Previous strikes on January 8-10 prompted the
cancellation of hundreds of flights.
On Sunday, March 8, travelers in Paris should anticipate local disruption
during a demonstration to observe International Women’s Day. Activists will
gather at 12:00 PM local time at Place d’Italie before marching via Pont
d’Austerliz to Place de la Republique at 2:00 PM local time. Labor unions have
also called for a countrywide “women’s strike” on Sunday, March 8.
Germany
The number of COVID-19 cases in Germany is growing, and cases have been
exported to other countries. The state of Nordrhein-Westfalen is most affected.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of
breath. Health authorities have implemented protocols for isolation,
quarantine, testing, and managing people who may have been exposed to the
virus. To prevent infection, travelers should pay attention to hygiene, wash
hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and avoid close contact with other
people.
Italy
Non-essential travel to northern regions of Italy, including Lombardy, Veneto,
Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Piedmont and Trentino-Alto
Adige, should be deferred due to factors associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
These include the risks of further expansion of the outbreak, new movement
restrictions, mandatory quarantine, and possible refusal of entry to other
destinations. All travel should be deferred to areas in Lombardy and Veneto
under official quarantine.
On Monday, March 9, travelers in Rome, Bologna, and Milan should anticipate
disruption around demonstrations called by the Non Una di Meno group related to
International Women’s Day, which falls on Sunday, March 8. A general strike was
initially scheduled accompany the protests but was canceled due to concerns
over the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants will gather at 5:00 PM local time at
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in Rome, at 6:00 PM local time at Piazza XX Settembre
in Bologna, and at 9:30 AM local time at Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan in Milan.
Spain
The number of COVID-19 cases in Spain is growing, and cases have been exported
to other countries. Madrid has reported the most cases. Symptoms of COVID-19
include fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Health authorities
have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing
people who may have been exposed to the virus. To prevent infection, travelers
should pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their
face, and avoid close contact with other people.
On Sunday, March 8, travelers in urban centers should anticipate local
disruption around rallies associated with International Women’s Day. While
these are expected to pass off peacefully, they are likely to be well attended.
