fbpx
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
April 21, 2021
21-April-2021

AMERICAS

Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): On 20 April 2021, Bermuda authorities modified the island’s existing coronavirus-related restrictions. A nightly 2000-0600 local time (2300 to 0900 UTC) curfew is now in place, but businesses, such as retail stores and restaurants, are allowed to open for curbside and delivery services from 0700 to 1900 local time. Grocery stores and gas stations will continue to operate at 20% capacity, with restrictions that prescribe which days patrons are allowed to travel and shop based on the first letter of a person’s last name. Parks and recreational boating businesses will be allowed to reopen, but gatherings of individuals from separate households remain banned.

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 20 April 2021, public health officials in Chile announced changes to city-level quarantine measures, which will remain in effect until further notice. As of 0500 local time (0900 UTC) on 22 April, the following communities will advance to phase two (transition) of the government’s five-phase plan: Ovalle (Coquimbo region), Pichilemu (O’Higgins region), Treguaco and San Ignacio (Ñuble region), Cañete (Biobío region), as well as Puerto Octay and Hualaihué (Los Lagos region). The following communities will advance to phase three (preparation) at the same time: Tocopilla (Antofagasta region), Huasco (Atacama region), Andacollo and Combarbalá (Coquimbo region), Pencahue (Maule region), as well as Ancud and Llanquihue (Los Lagos region). The following communities will revert to phase two (transition): Canela (Coquimbo region) as well as Licantén and Vichuquén (Maule region). Additionally, the community of Aysén (Aysén region) will revert to phase three (preparation).

Analyst Comment: Public health experts are calling for the government to revise its five-step quarantine plan to clarify the specific activities deemed safe at each phase. As of mid-April, ICU occupancy rates had surged over 95% nationwide and more than 90% of Chileans were under lockdown.

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 21 April 2021, authorities in the city of Bucaramanga imposed new restrictions due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Under the restrictions, which will remain in place until 3 May, a nightly curfew from 2000 to 0500 local time (0100-1000 UTC) is in effect, in addition to a ban on the sale of alcohol. Meanwhile, all nonessential surgeries are suspended at hospitals due to limited bed capacity.

Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): As of approximately 0500 local time (0900 UTC) on 21 April 2021, volcanic ash plumes that had been emitting from La Soufriere volcano were no longer being detected, according to the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington. Experts forecast that during the next 12 hours the volcano is unlikely to produce new volcanic ash plumes. Experts indicate that relatively minor volcanic activity continues. For example, at 0400 local time on 20 April the movement of lahar (mudflow) — likely from the southeastern side of the volcano — was detected for nearly 30 minutes. Additionally, forecasts warn that another eruption is possible during the next seven days.

Recovery efforts continue in St. Vincent and Barbados amid a serious water shortage. Local media reports indicate that Argyle International Airport (TVSA/SVD), located on St. Vincent, is still closed for cleanup of the runways and apron. No additional information as to when the airport will reopen is available. J.F. Mitchell Airport (TVSB/BQU), located on Bequia island, has reopened for humanitarian flights as of 19 April. Canouan Airport (TVSC/CIW), Union Island Airport (TVSU/UNI) and Mustique Airport (TVSM/MQS) are open from 0900 to 1700 local time to accommodate special flights. Cleanup crews are working to remove ashfall from public areas throughout the island. At latest report, authorities have not permitted individuals who evacuated from areas most affected by the volcano to return to their homes. Guyana has sent a third humanitarian shipment of 250 tons (227 metric tons) of food, water and other supplies to St. Vincent and Barbados, which is expected to arrive by 25 April.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 20 April 2021, a jury convicted a former police officer who killed a Black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May 2020 on all criminal charges — second- and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter. Hundreds of people had gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis, where the verdict was announced shortly after 1600 local time (2100 UTC). Following the announcement, demonstrations in support of the verdict continued into the evening hours across the city. The largest gathering occurred near the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue — known as George Floyd Square — in the southern part of the city to commemorate the deceased individual and celebrate the trial verdict. Meanwhile, a small group of individuals gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department, located just northwest of Minneapolis, to protest the 11 April shooting death of a Black motorist by a police officer during a traffic stop in the suburb.

EUROPE

Germany (Security threat level – 3): On 21 April 2021, police officers in Berlin clashed with demonstrators who gathered near the Reichstag building to protest legislation that would allow for uniform nationwide coronavirus-related restrictions. Approximately 8,000 protesters gathered for the demonstration, and unrest broke out as officers attempted to disperse the rally due to a lack of social distancing precautions. Several individuals began attacking police officers, prompting authorities to deploy pepper spray. At least 40 people were arrested.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Russia (Security threat level – 3): On 20 April 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “According to multiple media sources, demonstrations throughout Russia in support of an opposition activist are planned for Wednesday, April 21, at approximately 1900 hours local time. These demonstrations are unauthorized. The locations of the demonstrations may change, and streets and metro stations may be closed in the surrounding areas. Given the likely substantial police presence and possible dispersal and arrests of demonstrators, U.S. citizens should avoid these demonstrations and any demonstration-related activities.

“Given the possibility of crowds, you should be aware of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which includes avoiding large crowds, distancing yourself from others, and wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.”

To read the full text of the alert, please click here.

South Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 20 April 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Juba issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “A youth organization in the Kapoeta region of Eastern Equatoria State has issued a threat against Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in the region. Armed groups may attack or attempt to kidnap foreign nationals in the Kapoeta region. We advise U.S. citizens to not travel to the area.”

The full text of the alert is available here.