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April 07, 2022
07-April-2022

AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 6 April 2022, hundreds of motorcyclists gathered in the capital Bogotá to protest new restrictions scheduled to take effect on 14 April that would ban the movement of motorcycles transporting more than one person between 1900-0400 local time (0000-0900 UTC) from Thursday through Saturday. Protesters traveled through the city in a convoy from the Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco to the intersections of Calle 63 and Carrera 68, Carrera 30 with Calle 63, and Autopista Sur and Villavicencio, as well as to El Campín stadium. Traffic disruptions occurred along the demonstration route; however, there were no reports of violence.

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): During the early morning hours of 7 April 2022, riot police officers clashed with members of the Embera indigenous community protesting at Bogotá National Park in the district of Teusaquillo — located approximately 10 km (6 mi) south of Bogotá’s city center. According to local media reports, demonstrators gathered to protest food insecurity and a lack of education and health resources. Protesters vandalized vehicles and disrupted traffic at the intersection of Carrera Séptima and Calle 36 near the park, motivating police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowds. At least 21 protesters and seven police officers were injured in the clashes.

ASIA

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 6 April 2022, authorities announced that a coronavirus-related entry ban will be rescinded on 106 countries — including France, the U.K. and the U.S. — beginning 8 April. Travelers to Japan for tourism purposes will continue to be denied entry; however, residents of the 106 countries will no longer be subject to an automatic denial if entering Japan for business. Additionally, on 10 April, government officials will raise the country’s overseas daily visitor quota to 10,000 travelers, up from the current quota of 7,000.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On the night of 6 April 2022, heavy rainfall and flooded roadways prompted the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a severe weather warning for the New South Wales coastline — an area stretching from south of the city of Brisbane to Sydney, the capital of New South Wales state — as additional rainfall is expected on 7 April. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate from homes and businesses in the Camden and Illawarra areas outside of central Sydney. On the outskirts of southwestern Sydney, the Nepean River is expected to reach flood levels of 13.8 m (45 ft). According to local authorities, the tourist location of Bondi — located 10 km (6 mi) east of central Sydney — recorded approximately 170 mm (6.6 in) of rain over a 24-hour period.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

South Africa (Security threat level – 4): On 7 April 2022, hospital staff gathered at Witrand Hospital in northern Potchefstroom – a city located approximately 110 km (70 mi) southwest of Johannesburg – to protest unpaid wages and alleged corruption by hospital administrators. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to trash cans and blocked entry to the hospital after police officers fired rubber bullets at the protesters. Authorities did not reveal the number of injuries resulting from the clashes.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 6 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa issued a Security Alert regarding protests scheduled for 7 April, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Countrywide

“Event: Several protests are scheduled throughout the country against the government, starting as early as 6 am on Thursday, April 7 due to the high price of fuel. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain awareness of their surroundings as even peaceful demonstrations may turn violent with little or no notice.”

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 7 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Demonstration Alert regarding planned protests, which reads in part as follows: “There are several large demonstrations taking place in Colombo today (April 7):

“1. 1,000 student demonstrators gathering in Dehiwala who plan to march to Temple Trees by 3 PM,

“2. a static demonstration at Temple Trees around 5 PM, and

“3. a possible march from Kollupitiya Rail Station via Galle Road towards the Presidential Secretariat at 4 PM.

“Additional demonstrations are gathering around the city: currently they appear small, but protests can grow in size rapidly.

“U.S. government personnel have been advised to avoid areas of large gatherings.”