Colombia / Venezuela (Security threat levels – 4 / 5): On 5 April 2021, the mayor of Colombia’s capital Bogotá announced new coronavirus-related restrictions to reduce stress on the country’s hospital system. The city is set to operate under a scheme with four days of activity followed by three days of a general quarantine. On 6-9 April, the city will resume its “pico and cédula” system, which staggers the days and times that residents are allowed to visit commercial establishments — exceptions exist for restaurants and hotels — based on their ID card number. Then, on 10-13 April the city will enter a general quarantine, beginning at 0000 local time (0500 UTC) on 10 April and continuing through 0400 on 13 April. Residents are expected to remain at home, and vehicles will be prohibited from entering or exiting the city during general quarantine.
On 5 April Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro extended strict nationwide quarantine measures until 12 April in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the measures, only essential businesses and services, including supermarkets, pharmacies and public utilities, are allowed to operate. As part of Venezuela’s ongoing “7 + 7” plan, the country rotates between flexible and strict quarantine phases weekly.
United States (Security threat level – 2): As of 6 April 2021, emergency crews are working to remove millions of gallons of wastewater from a leaking reservoir in the town of Piney Point, Florida, located approximately 30 mi (50 km) south of the city of Tampa. Authorities have deployed 26 pumps and 10 vacuum trucks to the former phosphate fertilizer processing plant, which are capable of removing 75-100 million gallons of wastewater daily into the Tampa Bay estuary. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection stated the previous day that engineers and dam safety experts have ruled out a potential second breach at the reservoir. The initial breach and subsequent threat of large-scale flooding in the area prompted officials on 3 April to issue mandatory evacuation orders for more than 300 nearby residences and shut down a stretch of U.S. Highway 41.
India (Security threat level – 3): On 6 April 2021, the chief minister of the National Territory of Delhi — where the capital New Delhi is located — announced a nighttime curfew to slow the spread of COVID-19. Effective immediately, a nighttime curfew from 2200 to 0500 local time (1630 to 2330 UTC) will be in effect until 30 April. Individuals traveling to airports, railway stations and bus stations are exempt with proof of ticket. Exceptions to the nighttime curfew include pregnant women and individuals requiring medical treatment.
Kosovo (Security threat level – 4): On 6 April 2021, authorities announced new nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions will remain in effect from 7-18 April. Under the restrictions, a nightly curfew will be in effect from 2200 to 0500 local time (2000-0300 UTC). Additionally, bars, cafes, restaurants and shopping centers will be required to close their facilities to customers, but may still offer takeout services.
Oman (Security threat level – 2): On 5 April 2021, Omani authorities announced that as of 8 April — and extending until the end of Ramadan on 12 May — only Omani citizens and permanent residents are allowed to enter the country from overseas. Additionally, authorities have extended existing coronavirus-related measures throughout the month of Ramadan, including a nightly curfew from 2100 to 0400 local time (1700-0000 UTC) and a general ban on nonessential commercial activities.
Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): On 6 April 2021, suspected members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) separatist group attacked a prison in the southeastern city of Owerri in Imo state. Heavily armed gunmen — who local police officials claim were members of the paramilitary branch of the IPOB, known as the Eastern Security Network (ESN) — used rocket-propelled grenades and explosives in the attack, which allowed at least 1,800 prisoners to escape from the Owerri Custodial Center. One police officer was shot and injured in the attack, but there were no reports of fatalities. A potential motive remains unclear. IPOB and ESN have denied responsibility for the attack.
Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 5 April 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Ecuador, which reads in part as follows:
“A 30-day state of emergency for the provinces of Azuay, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Loja, Manabi, Pichincha and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, was declared by the President on 1 April. This includes: a curfew for people and vehicles from 8pm to 5am, between 2 and 9 April, the prohibition of alcohol sales and consumption from 6pm onwards from Monday to Thursday and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday; the prohibition of social and public gatherings; the suspension of mixed online/in-person schooling; restaurants can operate at 30% capacity and shopping centres at 50% capacity; and all public and private sectors to prioritise virtual working.”
Kuwait (Security threat level – 2) : On 6 April 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “On April 1, the government of Kuwait announced changes to curfew restrictions effective April 8 – April 22.
“Starting April 8, curfew will begin one hour later. Curfew will be in effect from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily from April 8 to April 22. U.S. citizens should observe the restrictions announced by the Kuwaiti government during the curfew period.
“The period for walking outdoors in one’s neighborhood will be frm 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Restaurants will be able to deliver until 3:00 AM.”
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