Novel
Coronavirus Outbreak
Limited human-to-human transmission, as well as imported cases of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been confirmed. 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 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
Yesterday, 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 rerouted 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.
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.
Today, 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.
Costa
Rica
Today, 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.
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 security disturbances. Student protesters from 30
universities across the country are scheduled to hold a large-scale
demonstration in Puebla today. Participants will gather at 7:00 AM local time
before marching 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.
Paraguay
Today, travelers in urban centers, particularly Asuncion, should anticipate
disruption around planned demonstrations against the country’s Education
Minister. The demonstrations have been called by the National Federation of
Secondary Students (Fenaes) union. Teachers affiliated with the Education
Workers’ Organization (OTEP-A) are likely to join the protests and have also
called for gatherings over education reform. Although specific times and
locations have not been announced, protest flashpoints include government
buildings, such as the Ministry of Education and Sciences in Asuncion.
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.
Burkina
Faso
On March 7 and 17, travelers should avoid planned nationwide marches by several
labor unions. These demonstrations are linked to a planned general strike from
March 16 to 20, which has been called over the government’s decision to
introduce a new tax on civil servant’s allowances and bonuses. While no further
details of the gatherings have been announced, popular protest locations in
Ouagadougou include the Bourse du Travail, Place de la Nation, and Rond-point
des Nations Unis.
Guinea
Today, travelers should minimize movement during nationwide protests called by
the opposition Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) party. In
Conakry, a march will take place at 9:00 AM local time from the Tannerie
Roundabout to Palais du Peuple. The demonstration has been banned by
authorities but is likely to proceed. Associated rallies are also likely in
other urban centers. Travelers should minimize movement due to a high 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.
Israel
Passengers of El Al Airlines traveling to destinations affected by the COVID-19
outbreak should reconfirm itineraries. The airline has suspended operations between
Israel and all destinations in Italy through March 14. On March 2, El Al
suspended flights to other European cities including Vienna, Budapest,
Brussels, and Frankfurt. Operations to Thailand have been suspended through
March 27. Operations to Beijing and Hong Kong will remain suspended through May
2.
Kenya
Today, travelers in Eldoret should avoid the area around the County
Headquarters. Police have fired tear gas to disperse a crowd protesting a local
government ban on a business. Traffic disruption should also be anticipated in
the area.
Lebanon
Non-essential travel to Lebanon should be deferred amid an evolving economic
crisis and persistent anti-government demonstrations. Today, protests are
planned around key government buildings and are likely to continue in the
coming days. Authorities are expected to make an announcement regarding the
country’s $1.2 billion Eurobond payment due on Monday, March 9. None of the
options available for managing the crisis in the short term are expected to entirely
alleviate financial pressures and widespread dissatisfaction with Prime
Minister Hassan Diab’s new administration. Unrest amid worsening socio-economic
conditions is likely.
Malawi
Travelers should continue to avoid all gatherings linked to the overturned
Presidential Election amid an ongoing legal challenge by President Peter
Mutharika and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). Hearings will begin at the
Supreme Court of Appeal on March 11, and gatherings are likely in the vicinity
during relevant dates. On February 3, the Constitutional Court annulled the
results of the May 2019 Presidential Elections, which Mutharika won by a narrow
margin, prompting Parliament to set fresh elections for May 19. Multiple
political parties and activist groups have held protests for and against the
Constitutional Court’s decision. Although most of these gatherings have passed
off without incident, all rallies should be avoided due to the risk of local
unrest.
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.
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 tomorrow. 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
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.
India
Travelers should reconfirm their itineraries, visa status, and the overall
feasibility of travel to the country prior to departure. Authorities have
imposed further travel restrictions as part of measures to contain the COVID-19
outbreak, in response to several new cases confirmed since March 2. These
restrictions apply to travelers holding passports from Italy, Iran, Japan,
People’s Republic of China and South Korea, as well as travelers of other
nationalities who have been in the aforementioned countries recently. The
government has advised that travelers affected by the aforementioned
restrictions with a “compelling reason” to visit India should contact their
nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate to apply for new visas.
Japan
Non-essential travel to Hokkaido should be deferred due to the COVID-19
outbreak. Some authorities have advised their citizens to defer travel to all
of 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.
Today, flight cancellations were reported on Hokkaido Island due to heavy
snowfall. Services at New Chitose Airport (CTS), serving Sapporo, 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 also be prepared for road disruption and maintain
flexible itineraries.
Malaysia
Travelers should continue to monitor developments relating to the appointment
of former Home Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister and other
recent political developments. Prime Minister Muhyiddin has postponed the next
Parliamentary sitting from March 9 to May 18; critics claim this was an attempt
to avoid a potential no-confidence motion. Protests are likely in this period
of political uncertainty. Sizeable attendance can be expected if opposition
leaders, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, participate in such
gatherings. Travelers should avoid all related protests as a precaution.
Pakistan
Travelers in urban centers should exercise heightened caution and avoid a fresh
series of demonstrations by the hardline Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)
party and allied opposition parties against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
government. There is an increased risk of militant attacks during these
gatherings, following threats issued by terrorist groups against JUI-F party
chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, who may attend the demonstrations. Bystanders
face incidental risks from any such attacks, as well as potential clashes
between rival protesters and security forces.
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.
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
Travelers should anticipate disruption and consider implications for in-country and onward journeys due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and related containment measures. Cases have been confirmed in 11 of the 13 regions comprising European France as of yesterday. Several institutions have been closed, and some public events have been canceled. Gatherings of more than 5,000 people in confined spaces have been banned. Authorities in Oise, Morbihan, and HauteSavoie departments have introduced measures, including bans on all gatherings, school closures and advice to minimize movement, in certain communes.
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.
Beginning today, passengers transiting Rennes Bretagne Airport (RSN) should reconfirm their flights and plan journeys accounting for the airport’s closure through 6:00 AM local time on March 29 for renovation work. The facility’s main runway is being expanded to accommodate larger aircraft. All shops and restaurants inside the airport will remain open during this period.
Georgia
Travelers in Abkhazia should monitor developments following a decision by the region’s Supreme Court to nullify the results of the August 2019 Presidential Election and the subsequent resignation of President Raul Khajimba. The Central Election Commission announced that a new election will be held on March 22. Further gatherings over the issue can be expected ahead of the election, particularly in Sukhumi.
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, 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.
Gibraltar
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Gibraltar. 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 Gibraltar. 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.
Hungary
The first imported cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Hungary. 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 Hungary. 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.
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 several factors associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, including the risk of further expansion of the outbreak and new movement restrictions, the risk of a mandatory period of quarantine, and possible refusal of entry to other destinations. All travel should be deferred to areas under official quarantine, ten of which are in Lombardy and one in Veneto.
Slovenia
The first imported case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Slovenia. 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 Slovenia. 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.
United Kingdom
All services by Flybe have been canceled after the troubled British airline went into administration earlier today. Services operated by its sister carrier Stobart Air have been similarly affected, though those by franchise partners Eastern Airways and Blue Islands are proceeding. Flybe is advising customers not to travel to the airport without having arranged alternative flights. Flybe, Europe’s largest regional carrier, narrowly avoided bankruptcy in January and was rescued by a UK government package. The airline says a decreased demand caused by the COVID-19 outbreak is partly to blame for its collapse.
