Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
Imported cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with limited human-to-human transmission, have been confirmed in several countries. 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 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 Italy, Iran, Singapore, and South Korea. A number of 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
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, 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 defers 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 to 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.
Today, normal movement can resume in the vicinity of The Foundry Apartments on Varsity Drive in Tyler, TX, following a shooting incident that took place at 11:15 PM local time yesterday. The perpetrator reportedly shot and killed an acquaintance in the apartments’ parking lot after becoming involved in an altercation. Two other people inside the apartment building were struck by stray bullets. Authorities announced that the shooter had been identified and was not believed to pose a threat to the public.
Travelers in Norco, CA should plan journeys accounting for disruption caused by an ongoing brush fire. The “Mann Fire” started shortly before 10:00 AM local time yesterday in the Santa Ana River bottom, near the intersection of California Avenue and Grulla Court. The wildfire has affected an area of around 0.15 square miles. Authorities have issued Evacuation Orders for areas between Crestview Drive to California Avenue, north of 8th Street, East of Pedley Avenue, and south of the Santa Ana River bottom. Travelers should follow all official directives.
Today, travelers in Washington DC and New Orleans, LA should plan journeys bypassing pro-choice rallies to minimize potential delays. Activists affiliated with the Reproductive Rights organization plan to gather outside the Supreme Court in Washington DC from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM local time. A related gathering is also scheduled from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM local time at Lafayette Square Park in New Orleans. Both demonstrations are expected to be well attended; associated traffic disruption is likely in the vicinity.
Bolivia
Today, travelers in Camiri should anticipate disruption related to planned demonstrations by the Camiri Civic Committee along Route 9. Participants have threatened to indefinitely block the highway, which connects the city to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, unless they are granted a meeting with high-level government officials. Their demands include increased funding for healthcare initiatives.
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.
Tomorrow, travelers in Toronto should anticipate disruption associated with a 24-hour teachers’ strike. Members of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) will stage a province-wide walkout and a demonstration at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario against cuts to education funding. While no timings have been announced, participants are expected to gather at nearby Queen’s Park. The protest is likely to be well attended, causing local disruption.
Chile
Travelers in urban centers should continue to anticipate and avoid further anti-government protests due to the risk of unrest. The protests have been called over various issues, including a public transportation fare increase, and will take place most days in March, including key dates like International Women’s Day on March 8 and the anniversary of the deaths of two brothers murdered by the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship on March 29. Security forces have routinely used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse gatherings, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Costa Rica
Tomorrow, travelers in San Jose should anticipate local disruption during a protest organized by the National Front for Social Security, the APSE teachers’ union, and several other groups against the proposed privatization of the country’s Social Security Fund. Protesters will gather at Hospital Nacional de Niños at 9:00 AM local time.
Jamaica
Travelers in Montego Bay are reminded of the risks from violent crime following a fatal armed robbery attack on March 2 which killed two people. The attack took place outside a banking institution, opposite the Church Street police station, at approximately 10:55 AM local time. The armed robbery occurred a month after a fatal shooting incident in Kingston which killed three people on February 4. These incidents highlight the persistent risks posed by violent crime and the need to adopt stringent precautions. A State of Emergency is in operation in these parishes.
Mexico
Travelers in urban centers, including Mexico City, should avoid demonstrations related to an ongoing strike over the killing of students in a recent violent attack due to the risk of unrest. Student protesters from 30 universities are scheduled to hold a large-scale demonstration in Puebla on March 5. Participants will gather at 7:00 AM local time and march from Avenida Juarez and Calle 21 Sur to Casa Aguayo to denounce the attack. Travelers are advised to plan journeys bypassing all gatherings as a precaution.
Puerto Rico
On March 2, a tourist in San Juan was robbed by five armed men. The attack took place at around 1:30 PM local time as the victim was walking along Loiza Street in the popular Santurce section of the city. While the victim was unarmed, he lost his backpack, cash, mobile phone, and other valuables. The incident underlines the risks posed by crime; travelers should exercise situational awareness at all times and maintain a low profile.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Regional
Countries 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 countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Imported cases have been
confirmed in Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria. Travelers should anticipate related
disruption at affected airports and reconfirm their itineraries.
Benin
An outbreak of Lassa fever has been reported in Borgou Department. Lassa fever
is a viral hemorrhagic illness. Transmission to humans mostly occurs through
ingestion or inhalation of excretions from infected rodents, especially rats.
The disease can also spread through direct contact with body fluids of an
infected person. Travelers should prevent infection by observing strict hygiene
and avoiding contact with sick people.
Central
African Republic
Today, travelers in Bangui should avoid a planned protest against the UN
Mission to the Country (MINUSCA). The event will be held in front of the
MINUSCA headquarters in the city center and is being organized by the Central
African Patriots for Peace Movement over accusations that MINUSCA officials are
financing and arming rebel groups in the country. A previously related
gathering in Bangui on February 17 was well-attended. Today’s protest has been
banned by authorities; travelers should avoid the vicinity of the gathering due
to the risk of unrest.
Congo
(DRC)
Continued attacks by armed groups underline the need to defer all travel to
rural parts of North Kivu and Ituri provinces. At least nine militants and
three soldiers were killed on March 1 when officers of the Congolese Army
(FARDC) clashed with militants from the Cooperative for the Development of
Congo (CODECO) in the village of Kparanganza. According to reports, in an
attack against the village of Venru, CODECO militants had also killed at least
eight people. Periodic protests have occurred in the region’s urban centers
since November 2019, calling on authorities to do more to combat local
insecurity. All gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of unrest.
Iran
An outbreak of COVID-19 is underway. In response, several countries have closed
their land borders with Iran and suspended flights. COVID-19 can cause symptoms
of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Travelers are advised to pay
attention to general hygiene and avoid direct contact with people who are
obviously sick. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness who may have been
exposed to COVID-19 should seek medical attention.
On February 26, the US State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Iran to
Level 4: Do Not Travel. The travel advisory was updated in part due to novel
coronavirus, as well as the increased risk of kidnapping and arbitrary arrest.
Jordan
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the country. This new
coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, 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 Jordan. 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.
Kenya
Travelers should exercise caution and anticipate disruption during the long
rainy season which began in March and is expected to last through May. The
Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned that the western and central
areas, including Nairobi, will experience heavy rainfall this week. Other areas
will be impacted later in the month. At least 20 counties are expected to
experience higher-than-average rainfall. In addition to flash floods,
mudslides, road closures and electricity outages, the prolonged rainy season
will likely exacerbate the ongoing locust outbreak in the country.
Today, travelers in Nairobi should plan routes bypassing a protest in the
Central Business District (CBD) due to the risk of local unrest. Protesters
plan to march from Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park to Harambee Avenue between 8:00
AM and 2:00 PM local time. The event is being organized to pressure the
government to ban all flights from China amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Although
organizers have notified local authorities of the event, it has not been
approved. A heightened security presence around the demonstration is likely.
Local disruption is expected, and there is potential for the gathering to
become unruly, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
Libya
Passengers transiting Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport (MJI) should
reconfirm their itineraries following the indefinite suspension of air traffic.
As of today, all flights will be redirected to Misrata International Airport
(MRA) due to an escalation in shelling around Mitiga Airport in recent days.
Travelers should reconfirm flight schedules, as well as the feasibility of
travel, between Tripoli and Misrata.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Regional
Over 80,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported from mainland China, with the
majority from Hubei Province, since the outbreak began in December. This is a
fast moving and rapidly changing situation. COVID-19 can cause symptoms of
fever, cough, 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 keep a
distance from people who are sick.
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 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 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.
Bangladesh
On February 28, two police officers and a civilian were injured in an explosion
at a traffic police kiosk in the Sholoshahar Gate-2 area of Chittagong. The
Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan
Police has said that the attack was carried out by the banned militant group
Neo-Jamaat ul Mujaheeden Bangladesh (Neo-JMB). Authorities have increased
security around the city, particularly near police facilities, following the
explosion. This incident underscores the persistent risks posed by militancy
and the need to exercise vigilance.
French
Polynesia
Travelers to French Polynesia, including flight attendants and pilots, are
required to present a health certificate dating less than 5 days and certifying
the traveler’s state of health is free of any sign of coronavirus infection
when boarding flights to French Polynesia. Additional information is available
on the French Polynesia Health Department’s website and is updated accordingly
to the epidemiological evolution of the virus.
On February 27, ocean liners were required to enter French Polynesia
exclusively through the port of entry of Papeete in Tahiti. Ships that have
been granted first berth exemptions for the outer islands will be canceled.
Malaysia
Malaysian authorities have extended entry bans to contain the spread of
COVID-19 disease to foreign travelers arriving from South Korea. Since February
28, those who have been to South Korea’s Daegu city and Cheongdo county within
the past 14 days are barred from entry to Malaysia. Those who have been
anywhere in South Korea in the past 14 days will be denied entry into Sabah and
Sarawak states. Returning residents are exempt from these bans. The new
measures join existing restrictions for travelers arriving from mainland China.
Travelers recently in South Korea or mainland China should reconfirm the
overall feasibility of travel to Malaysia with authorities prior to departure.
Indonesia
Travelers in Central Java and Yogyakarta should closely monitor developments
and follow official directives issued by authorities following fresh volcanic
activity at Mount Merapi. An eruption occurred yesterday, with ash plumes
reaching approximately 19,685 feet, far exceeding the eruption on February 13,
when ashes had reached around 6,561 feet. Despite these eruptions, the National
Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) maintained the volcano’s status at Level 2
(the second lowest level on a four-tier scale). Authorities have imposed a
Danger Zone of two miles around Mount Merapi.
Philippines
Travelers are reminded to exercise heightened caution following three recent
gun-violence incidents. On March 1, a former soldier shot people in a market in
General Trias City, killing one and injuring five. On March 2, a shooting and
hostage-taking incident occurred in a shopping center in San Juan, injuring at
least one person. Today, two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle reportedly
fired six gunshots at a vehicle on a busy road in Quezon City. No one was
injured in this incident. These incidents highlight the risk of violent crime
and the use of weapons in public spaces, which poses significant incidental
risks to bystanders.
Singapore
Additional travel restrictions have been implemented, in addition to
pre-existing entry bans, to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak. People’s
Republic of China and Iranian passport holders, as well as travelers who have
visited mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea in the
past 14 days, should reconfirm the overall feasibility of travel prior to
departure. A number of countries have also issued travel advisories for
Singapore since the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) level
was raised to Orange (second highest on a four-tier scale) in response to the
ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Measures imposed include entry restrictions and
mandatory quarantine. Travelers should comply with all advisories issued by
their national authorities.
South
Korea
An outbreak of COVID-19 is underway and 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, 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.
Vietnam
Additional travel restrictions have been implemented, in addition to temporary
entry bans announced on February 24, to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Visa-free travel has been suspended for South Korean and Italian passport
holders. Travelers from mainland China and South Korea who are permitted to
enter Vietnam, as well as those from Iran and Italy, are subject to quarantine
at a designated hospital for 14 days. Travelers should ensure they abide by
these directives and reconfirm their itineraries and the overall feasibility of
travel before departure.
EUROPE
Regional
Imported cases of COVID-19 (formerly 2019-novel coronavirus disease) have been confirmed in Armenia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Estonia. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, 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 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.
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.
Andorra
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Andorra. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, 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 Andorra. 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.
France
There are locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in several areas of France. Clusters have been identified in L’Oise and HauteSavoie. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Health authorities have implemented protocols for isolation, quarantine, testing, and managing people who may have been exposed to the virus. Follow the directions of local authorities. Several institutions have been closed, and some public events have been canceled. Authorities in Oise, Morbihan, and Haute-Savoie departments have introduced measures, including bans on all gatherings, school closures and advice to minimize movement, in certain communes. To prevent infection, travelers should pay attention to hygiene, keep away from others who are sick, and avoid large crowds.
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.
Greece
On Sunday, March 8, travelers in Athens and Thessaloniki should plan journeys bypassing rallies due to the risk of local disruption. In Thessaloniki, protesters of an anti-migrant rally, who will demand the government tighten border security and prevent illegal immigration, are scheduled to gather at Aristotelous Square at 1:00 PM local time. In Athens, members of various civil society organizations will mark International Women’s Day with a protest demanding better working rights for women at Syntagma Square at 11:00 AM local time.
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.
Liechtenstein
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the country. This new coronavirus can cause symptoms of fever, cough, 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 Liechtenstein. 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.
Russia
Travelers should continue to anticipate sporadic disruption linked to the increased number of anonymous bomb threats targeting transportation hubs and commercial aircraft. Yesterday, two passenger aircraft were forced to make emergency landings following reports of a bomb on board. An aircraft operated by S7 Airlines en route from Novosibirsk International Airport (OVB) to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) made an emergency landing at Perm International Airport (PEE), while an Aeroflot passenger aircraft en route from Khabarovsk Novy Airport (KHV) to Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) was diverted back to Khabarovsk. All threats were subsequently confirmed to be hoaxes.
Ukraine
Today, travelers in Kiev should monitor developments and avoid protests linked to an expected government reshuffle. Verkhovna Rada will hold an extraordinary session called by President Volodymyr Zelensky at 4:00 PM local time. In addition to discussions on a number of draft laws, presidential proposals for new Government Ministers are expected to be announced. Controversial ministerial appointments, particularly those linked to the Prime Minister and Interior Minister posts, may trigger protests. Likely flashpoints include the Presidential Administration, Parliament, and Interior Ministry buildings.
