WORLDWIDE
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, 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 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.
For more information on confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, refer to the
latest Situation Report on the World Health Organization (WHO) website by
clicking here. For more general
information on the outbreak and WHO’s response, click here.
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 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 other affected countries, including Iran, Italy,
Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Some airlines have also suspended or reduced
flights to and from affected 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
Authorities advise that “for most people, the immediate risk of being
exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. This virus is
not currently widespread in the United States.” Cases of the novel strain
of coronavirus has been confirmed in people in the United States. Cases have
been detected in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. California, New York and Washington are the
most impacted states, with over 100 confirmed cases each. For more information
on cases in the US, visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) website here. 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.
Travelers arriving from or through China and Iran should expect heightened screening
measures for COVID-19 and related disruption. All flights from China are being
re-routed through 11 airports, 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 states of Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania have asked those returning
from travel to China, Iran, Italy or South Korea to self-quarantine for 14
days.
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.
Today, travelers in Raleigh, NC should exercise caution in the downtown area
and anticipate a heightened police presence. Last night, demonstrators gathered
outside the local Police Chief’s residence and marched through the downtown
area after police officers shot and injured a 26-year-old man on New Bern
Avenue. There is a heavy police presence in the area as officers attempt to
clear roads, and residual disruption may persist throughout the day.
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.
Jamaica
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Jamaica. 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 Jamaica.
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.
Mexico
Today, travelers in Mexico City should avoid the vicinity of the Tacubaya metro
station, following a collision of two metro trains on Line 1 yesterday.
Authorities have confirmed one fatality, and an additional 41 people injured.
Although all victims of the crash have been taken to the nearest medical
centers, the station should continue to be avoided as an investigation
continues. While services at the Tacubaya metro station are temporarily
suspended, the surrounding metro stations will continue to run normally, along
with free bus services from 5:00 AM local time today through 12:00 AM local
time tomorrow.
Today, residual disruption to road travel in and around Celaya City, including
on the Celaya-Salamanca Highway, is possible. Yesterday, roadblocks erected on
main thoroughfares by drug traffickers have now been dismantled by security
forces. Sections of the Celaya-Salamanca Highway and other main roads were
obstructed with burning vehicles and tires in the Apaseo el Alto, Celaya,
Comonfort, Juventino Rosas, Salamanca, Salvatierra, and Villagran areas. The
roadblocks were reportedly established by members of the Santa Rosa de Lima
drug cartel in response to security force operations in the area.
AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST
Regional
Authorities continue to impose health screening measures at airports along with
some travel restrictions linked to COVID-19. These have applied primarily to
travelers arriving from China, though some countries and airlines are also
implementing measures for those traveling to and from France, Germany, Iran, Italy,
South Korea, and Spain. Travelers should anticipate related disruption at
affected airports and reconfirm their itineraries.
Non-essential travel to Israel should be deferred through March 23, and
non-essential travel to the West Bank should be deferred through April 6 due to
entry restrictions and flight cancellations amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Israeli
officials have announced that travelers arriving from all foreign countries
will be denied entry beginning tomorrow unless they are able to self-quarantine
for 14 days. The Palestinian Authority imposed a 30-day State of Emergency
beginning March 6, limiting movement within the West Bank and banning all
public gatherings. Bethlehem was put on lockdown on March 5 due to a spike in
COVID-19 cases.
Ethiopia
Travelers in the Kellem Wellega, West Wellega, and Horo Gudru Wellega zones
should exercise caution amid an ongoing security operation, the shutdown of
communications, and growing unrest. Disruption to internet and phone services
has been ongoing since January 3 in connection with the country’s military
operations against breakaway armed factions of the outlawed rebel group Oromo
Liberation Front (OLF). There have also been reports of attacks at political
rallies ahead of National Elections, tentatively set for August.
Guinea
Travelers in Guinea should minimize movement during all election-related
gatherings, including those planned by the opposition National Front for the
Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) coalition. The National Independent
Electoral Commission (CENI) noted yesterday that no new date for the recently
delayed Legislative Elections had been set, indicating that further delays
would lead to continued ambiguity and increased tensions. Travelers should
avoid all gatherings due to the high risk of unrest.
Iran
An outbreak of COVID-19 is underway in Iran. 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 sick. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness who may have been exposed
to COVID-19 should seek medical attention according to the local procedure. On
February 26, the US Department of State issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel
Advisory, stating that all non-essential travel to Iran be deferred due to an
outbreak of COVID-19.
Malawi
Today, travelers in Lilongwe should avoid Area 3, where clashes between minibus
drivers and supporters of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) civil
society group have been reported. HRDC supporters have gathered at the local
Magistrate’s Court, where leaders of the group were due to appear for a bail
hearing. Police are at the scene.
Today, travelers should anticipate possible rallies linked to the annulment of
the Presidential Election and the legal challenge by President Peter Mutharika
and Electoral Commission to that cancellation. The opposition Malawi Congress
Party (MCP) has threatened countrywide protests if Mutharika fails to release
several leaders of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) civil society
group, which campaigned to have the election overturned. An indefinite sit-in
outside State House in Lilongwe has also been threatened. Further gatherings
are likely ahead of the May 19 Presidential re-Election and should be avoided
due to the risk of unrest.
Mali
Today, travelers in Bamako should plan journeys avoiding a march linked to an
ongoing countrywide teachers’ strike through mid-March. This follows failed
negotiations between teachers’ unions and the government in the past weeks.
Participants will march from Place de la Liberte to Monument de l’Indépendence.
While most such events are likely to pass off peacefully, precedents in 2019
suggest that students and parents concerned over the interruption of the school
year may stage counter demonstrations.
Nigeria
Travelers in Abuja should anticipate and avoid protests over the recent
demolition of traders’ shops at the Dutse Modern Market due to the risk of
local disturbances. Traders set up roadblocks, set fire to objects, and began
to protest when officers of a taskforce from the Federal Capital Territory
Administration (FCTA) destroyed their shops yesterday. A heightened security
presence in the vicinity of the market on Bwari Express Road is likely.
Saudi
Arabia
Non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia should be deferred to minimize
inconvenience following a reduction in inbound and outbound travel options. In
order to prevent the potential importation of COVID-19, authorities temporarily
suspended air and sea traffic between the kingdom and 14 countries. All foreign
nationals who have been in these countries in the 14 days prior to arrival will
be denied entry. Saudi Arabia’s land border crossings with Bahrain, Kuwait, and
the UAE remain restricted to commercial trucks only. There is no need for
travelers and expatriates already in Saudi Arabia to depart; however, travelers
should monitor developments and remain prepared for the possibility of a
further reduction in outbound travel options.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Regional
Countries continue to introduce more 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 initially applied to passengers arriving from mainland China, many
countries have expanded these measures to other locations with confirmed
COVID-19 cases, including Iran, Italy, and South Korea. Travelers should
maintain flexible itineraries and be prepared for short-notice changes to entry
restrictions. Travelers arriving from countries with confirmed cases of
COVID-19 or who have been to or transited through mainland China within 14 days
of arrival at their destination or place of transit should reconfirm the
feasibility of travel.
Travelers in Hong Kong should anticipate and avoid gatherings linked to the
ongoing protest movement, which has broadened to include criticisms over the
government’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. Related grievances have sparked
local protests around medical facilities and quarantine centers. Key dates also
remain triggers for unrest. Clashes occurred between protesters and police
along Nathan Road, near the Prince Edward Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station,
on February 29; police used tear gas to disperse the unruly crowds. Travelers
should continue to exercise heightened vigilance around key dates and
anticipate potentially disruptive short-notice gatherings around flashpoint
areas.
Bangladesh
Today, travelers in Dhaka and other urban centers should anticipate disruption
and avoid planned nationwide demonstrations by the main opposition Bangladesh
Nationalist Party (BNP). The party is demanding improved medical treatment for,
and the release of, its jailed leader, Khaleda Zia. A related rally in Dhaka is
likely to take place at the BNP Headquarters in the Naya Paltan area, with
party offices probable venues for similar events elsewhere. Although BNP
demonstrations on March 1-2 passed off uneventfully, there remains potential
for unrest during political gatherings, posing incidental risks to bystanders.
China
Non-essential travel to mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan,
should be deferred due to strict quarantine measures in response to the
COVID-19 outbreak. All travel to Hubei Province should continue to be deferred
amid ongoing stringent restrictions. In-country restrictions vary, depending on
the county-level three-tier (low-mediumhigh) COVID-19 risk rating announced in
February and local authorities’ policies. Officials in Beijing and various
other cities have imposed additional measures, such as a quarantine
requirement, on travelers from countries with high numbers of confirmed
COVID-19 cases. On February 2, the US Department of State issued a Level 4: Do
Not Travel Advisory for China. Do not travel to China due to the novel
coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health
Organization (WHO) determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Travelers should be
prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance
notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and
from China.
French
Polynesia
Today through March 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.
India
Travelers should continue to reconfirm their itineraries, visa status, and the
overall feasibility of travel prior to departure due to restrictions to contain
the COVID-19. Visas have been suspended for travelers holding passports of, or
arriving from, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, China, South Korea and
Spain. Meanwhile, all travelers with travel history to Italy or South Korea are
required to obtain medical certificates confirming COVID-19 negative status
prior to departure for India. The government has advised that travelers
affected by the aforementioned restrictions and with a “compelling reason” to
visit India should contact their nearest Indian Diplomatic Mission.
Indonesia
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), an armed separatist group
associated with the Free Papua Movement, has claimed responsibility for recent
attacks on security forces in Tembagapura district. More than 1,000 residents
were subsequently evacuated from Tembagapura to Timika City. A heightened
security force presence can be expected in the province, especially near mining
sites. The incidents reflect the need to avoid non-essential journeys to these
locations.
Japan
Non-essential
travel to Hokkaido should be deferred due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some
authorities have advised their citizens to defer all travel to Japan. Travelers
should follow the advice of their local authorities. 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. To prevent infection, travelers should
pay attention to hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and
avoid close contact with other people.
Pakistan
A Pakistani Air Force aircraft has crashed in the Shakarparian area of the
Chandtara Forest in Islamabad at 11:00 AM local time today. Emergency services
are on site. Road closures are possible in the area which has several
high-profile institutions and hotels. No flight disruptions have been reported
at Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
Philippines
Travelers should reconfirm their itineraries, visa status, and the overall
feasibility of travel prior to departure due to travel and internal
restrictions linked to the spread of the COVID-19 disease and related measures.
Cagbalete Island and nearby tourist sites have been closed through March 23.
The measures follow the declaration of a National Public Health Emergency on
March 8. Entry restrictions remain in place for foreign travelers inbound from
or transiting through China (including Hong Kong and Macao) and North
Gyeongsang Province and Daegu City (South Korea).
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
Non-essential travel to Gyeongsan city, Daegu city, and Cheongdo county should
be deferred. Travelers should consider deferring all travel to 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.
Thailand
Thailand has updated its entry requirements. It is mandatory for travelers from
China (including Hong Kong and Macao), Iran, Italy, and South Korea to present
a medical certificate confirming they have not been infected with COVID-19 in
the past 14 days. Travelers will not be issued a boarding pass and will be
denied boarding if they fail to produce the certificate, which should be issued
no more than 48-hours before departure. Those able to produce the certificate
will be required to complete a self-declaration form upon arrival in Thailand
and hand it over to the airport’s Disease Control Officers, who will perform
enhanced screening on travelers. The officers have the power to order travelers
to undergo quarantine. Travelers should follow all official directives.
EUROPE
Regional
Imported cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in multiple 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 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.
France
COVID-19
has been reported from all 13 regions of Metropolitan France. 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. Travelers should follow the directions
of local authorities. To prevent infection, travelers should pay attention to
hygiene and avoid large crowds.
Travelers should monitor developments and avoid all election-related protests
ahead of Municipal Elections. The first round of the elections will take place
on March 15 and the second round on March 22. Although the elections are likely
to pass off peacefully, they will take place amid increased tensions over
controversial pension reforms recently passed via decree and travel disruption
due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Germany
Travelers should anticipate disruption and consider implications for in-country
and onward journeys due to the spread of the COVID-19 disease and related
preventative measures. Several institutions have been closed to the public.
Gatherings of more than 1,000 people in confined spaces have been banned in
several states and a number of public events have been canceled. Lufthansa has
announced flight suspensions and reduction. Travelers should reconfirm flight
schedules.
Italy
All travel to Lombardy and 14 provinces across four other northern regions
should deferred through April 3 due to restrictions amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Non-essential travel to the rest of Italy should also be deferred through April
3. Yesterday, the previously defined “red zones” were extended by the
government to all of Italy, meaning that travel is barred except for essential
purposes or emergencies, and any such travel requires self-certification. All
public gatherings have been prohibited. Travelers in-country should abide by
official directives and minimize movement. On February 29, the US Department of
State issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory for the Lombardy and Veneto
regions due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition
of local quarantine procedures. A Level Three: Reconsider Travel Advisory was
issued for the remainder of the country due to a widespread ongoing outbreak of
respiratory illness (COVID-19) caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be
spread from person to person. Although many cases of COVID-19 have been
associated with travel to or from mainland China or close contact with a
travel-related case, widespread sustained community spread has been reported in
Italy. The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued a
Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Italy. At this time, the CDC recommends that
travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Italy.
Russia
On March 15, travelers should anticipate disruption around nationwide
environmental protests and plan journeys accordingly. Venues for related
rallies include Moscow, St Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Chelyabinsk, Kazan, and
Usinsk. The gatherings are expected to be largely peaceful; however, security
forces may make indiscriminate arrests in the event that opposition supporters
attend and voice anti-government sentiments.
