Canada (Security threat level – 2): On 28 April 2021, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia entered a lockdown in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. During the lockdown — set to be in effect until 12 May — nonessential retail establishments are required to suspend in-person services, whereas essential businesses such as grocery stores and gas stations may operate at 25% of maximum capacity. Gatherings of people from separate households are banned in both indoor and outdoor settings. In addition, all educational institutions in the province are required to suspend in-person classes. Further details on restrictions during the two-week “circuit breaker” measure are available here.
Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 28 April 2021, nationwide strikes and demonstrations are ongoing in Colombia. In Bogotá, demonstrators have blocked a number of roads and TransMilenio metro stations, resulting in the closure of the Suba Portal, Usme Portal, Campiña, Molinos, Transversal 91 and 21 Ángeles stations. In Cali, demonstrators knocked down a statue and have blocked a number of roads, including the intersections of Carrera 8 with Carrera 70, Carrera 7c with Carrera 70, and Calle 5 with Calle 94. Transportation disruptions are expected throughout the day.
Labor unions comprising the Colombian National Strike Committee (CNP) – which includes the Central Union of Workers (CUT), General Labor Confederation (CGT) and the Colombian Federation of Education Workers (FECODE) — organized the 24-hour national strike and associated demonstrations to protest a tax reform bill introduced by President Iván Duque. Organizers estimate that approximately 20,000-30,000 people will participate in the mobilizations. Demonstrations will be held at various times in major cities across the country, including Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cartagena and Medellín. In Bogotá, demonstrators will gather in the morning hours at a number of locations, including the Parque Nacional, Tintal roundabout, Portal del Sur station, District University, National University, National Pedagogical University and El Dorado International Airport (SKBO/BOG), before concluding with a rally at Plaza de Bolivar.
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): As of the morning of 28 April 2021, student protesters continue to block access to the air terminal at Oaxaca International Airport (MMOX/OAX), located in the southwestern state of Oaxaca. The blockade, which began on 25 April, has led to the cancellation of over 60 flights. The protesters, primarily college students studying to become teachers, are demanding that the government provide jobs for recent graduates. Oaxaca authorities stated that they have already redressed the protesters’ demands but will not use force to clear the demonstrators.
Panama (Security threat level – 3): At 0700 local time (1200 UTC) on 28 April 2021, members of the National Association of Nurses of Panama (ANEP) union began a nationwide 24-hour strike. The union’s leader stated that nurses will continue to perform COVID-19 vaccinations and other essential functions during the strike, which may be extended if the government does not meet the union’s demands. The nurses have called on the government to honor previous salary and contract negotiations as well as provide them with sufficient personal protective equipment.
Paraguay (Security threat level – 3): On 27 April 2021, President Mario Abdo Benítez tightened nationwide restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the restrictions — which will remain in effect until 10 May — a nightly 2000 to 0500 local time (0000-0900 UTC) curfew is in effect in major cities considered “red zones,” including Asunción and Ciudad del Este. Meanwhile, a nightly curfew from 0000 to 0500 local time will be in effect in all other areas of the country. During curfew hours, residents are required to remain at home, except for essential purposes, such as to attain essential goods or to seek medical care. Additionally, face masks are required in all public spaces.
United States (Security threat level – 2): On 27 April 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) postponed until 3 May 2023 the requirement for U.S. residents to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in order to board commercial aircraft. The requirement, which was slated to go into effect on 1 October 2021, was delayed in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused difficulties for residents attempting to obtain updated identification cards from state licensing departments. According to DHS, only 43% of identification cards are currently Real ID-compliant. The federal Real ID Act of 2005 mandated that anyone seeking to travel aboard commercial aircraft or to access federal premises must obtain Real ID-compliant cards, which are issued after state governments verify documents that validate an applicant’s name, birth date and residence. The updated identification cards comprise new security features and a star on the upper right-hand corner.
India (Security threat level – 3): On 28 April 2021, authorities in Goa announced that a four-day coronavirus-related lockdown will be effect from 1900 local time (1330 UTC) on 29 April until 0600 local time on 3 May. Under the order, nonessential businesses such as casinos and gyms will remain closed, while restaurants will be allowed to provide delivery services only. Public transportation will be suspended. Essential businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, will be allowed to remain open. The state’s borders will remain open only for essential travel and transportation of goods.
Algeria (Security threat level – 4): On 27 April 2021, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced that Algeria’s air, land and sea borders will remain closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Algeria’s borders and airspace have been closed since 17 March 2020.
Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): On 27 April 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “On April 27, 2021, the Department of State ordered the departure from U.S. Embassy Kabul of U.S. government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere due to increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul. The Consular Section in U.S. Embassy Kabul will remain open for limited consular services to U.S. citizens and for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa processing.”
To read the full text of the Alert, please click here.
Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): On 27 April 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Anguilla, which reads in part as follows: “With effect from Tuesday 27 April and until further notice shops and other essential services will only be open from 6am to 4pm local time.
“With effect from Tuesday 27 April people should exercise only within the boundaries of their own premises until further notice. If this is a communal area safe social distancing should be observed.”
Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): On 27 April 2021, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has recently seen a notable increase in crime in Lagos. Reports of robberies/smash-and-grabs on the roads by armed men have increased significantly on both Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Typically, men on a motorcycle will follow a vehicle until it stops at a traffic light or intersection then approach the vehicle, present a weapon, and rob the occupants. Although most of these incidents happen at night, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has received reports of robberies taking place during daylight hours.
“Please remember to be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving at night. The following personal safety tips can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
The full text of the alert is available here.
North Macedonia (Security threat level – 3): On 28 April 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for North Macedonia, which reads in part as follows: “From 28 April, the movement of people and public transport vehicles is banned between 9pm until 5am the next morning. The night time curfew will not be imposed for the upcoming holidays on 1 to 2 May and 12 to 13 May.
“The curfew does not apply to people in need of emergency medical assistance but permission must be sought from the local police prior to travel.
“The curfew does not apply for passengers arriving or departing from international airports with a valid ticket. Travellers that are transiting through the country will not be allowed to stay in the territory for more than three hours after crossing the border.”
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