United States (Security threat level – 2): Shortly after 1030 local time (1430 UTC) on 3 August 2021, an assailant stabbed and killed a police officer on a Metro bus platform at the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington, Virginia, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Law enforcement officials reportedly shot and killed the suspected assailant at the scene. Authorities believe two passersby were also injured. The event occurred just outside of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. military, prompting officials to place the facility on lockdown for more than one hour. No information is currently available regarding a potential motive of the perpetrator; however, media reports, citing multiple law enforcement officials, stated that the suspect was a 27-year-old Georgia resident and had a criminal history. The FBI is leading an ongoing investigation into the event.
China (Security threat level – 3): As of 3 August 2021, authorities in several cities nationwide are implementing additional public health measures in response to local spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus. In Wuhan, the original epicenter of the outbreak, authorities announced on 3 August a requirement for the entire population of the city to get tested for COVID-19. In Yangzhou, located in Jiangsu province approximately 70 km (45 mi) northeast of Nanjing, a citywide lockdown is in effect, and only one member of each household may leave per day to procure essential goods. Domestic flights have also been canceled in Yangzhou and Nanjing. On 2 August authorities recorded 90 COVID-19 cases nationwide, including 61 local cases; most cases in the current outbreak have been traced back to several workers at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (ZSNJ/NKG).
China (Security threat level – 3): As of 1700 local time (0900 UTC) on 4 August 2021, Tropical Depression 13 has strengthened into Tropical Storm Lupit, and was located approximately 200 km (125 mi) east-southeast of Hong Kong, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Lupit was moving east-northeast at 6 kph (3 mph), and was generating maximum sustained winds of 65 kph, with gusts of up to 83 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected make landfall near Xiamen in Fujian province during the early hours of 5 August before tracking along coastal areas of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to affect areas along the storm’s path.
Czech Republic (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0800 local time (0600 UTC) on 4 August 2021, two passenger trains collided near the village of Milavce in Domažlice district, located near the eastern German border approximately 125 km (80 mi) west of the capital Prague. At least three people were killed and approximately 50 more suffered injuries; rescue officials are searching for one person still listed as missing. Authorities stated that one of the trains, which was traveling to Prague from Munich, failed to heed a stop signal before hitting a local commuter train. The Czech Republic Railway Inspectorate is investigating the collision. According to rail officials, train service in Milvace will likely not resume until the evening of 6 August.
Greece (Security threat level – 3): On 3 August 2021, a large-scale wildfire broke out near the Tatoi estate — located about 20 km (12 mi) north of the capital Athens — and spread toward the neighboring Varymbombi district and areas in the Adames district. The blaze forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes in those areas and prompted a temporary closure of a nearby stretch of the national highway. The Greek Civil Protection Authority issued alerts for residents in the vicinity of the blaze to leave their homes and advised those residing in other northern Athens suburbs to keep their doors and windows closed. The fire damaged dozens of homes in the Adames district and at least six people sought medical attention for smoke inhalation. Five helicopters and five additional water-dropping aircraft are deployed to battle the blaze, which has been contained. An extreme heat wave, with temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Athens, has intensified wildfires near the capital and elsewhere in the country. In related developments, authorities announced the closure of the Acropolis monument and other ancient sites in Athens during the afternoon hours through 6 August due to the extreme heat.
United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 2) : On 3 August 2021, authorities announced that a ban on transit passenger traffic from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda, will be lifted on 5 August. The government maintains an entry ban for travelers from high-risk countries to curb the spread of COVID-19. As of 5 August, travelers from the aforementioned countries — who hold residency permits in the UAE and are fully vaccinated — will also be allowed to enter, provided they obtain an entry permit and present proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure to the UAE.
Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 4 August 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “There are reports of two different demonstrations taking place in Kinshasa. There is a large gathering of individuals on motorcycles at the Palais de la Nation in Gombe. There is a heavy police presence, and some movement is restricted. There is also a violent demonstration taking place in the areas of UPN Circle, Mbudi, and Pompage, to the south and southwest of Gombe.”
Greece (Security threat level – 3): On 3 August 2021, the U.S. Mission in Greece issued a Natural Disaster Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing wildfires throughout Greece. U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in the affected areas, including in Evia, Kos, and around the Varymbobi area in the northern suburbs of Athens. Civil Protection authorities are coordinating evacuations from the affected areas.
“The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has announced an Extreme Fire Risk (Category 5 alarm) for the island of Rhodes, and Very High Risk (Category 4) for many areas in Greece on August 4, 2021 according to the Daily Fire Risk Map. This high risk of fire is expected to continue in the coming days.
“U.S. citizens living in or traveling near any of the affected areas should follow instructions from local authorities and closely monitor the local media and emergency alerts. The following resources contain official information about the wildfires:
Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): On 3 August 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding coronavirus-related restrictions, which reads in part as follows: “Emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM) are in place until 9 August in Jakarta, Bali and many other regions of Indonesia. Essential services are available, but many public facilities are closed. It is mandatory to wear a face mask when outside. Criminal sanctions, including deportation or large fines may apply for violations of the restrictions. Non-essential businesses are closed and the public are advised to work from home until at least 9 August.”
North Macedonia (Security threat level – 3): On 3 August 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for North Macedonia, which reads in part as follows: “On 3 August, the government of North Macedonia imposed a complete ban on movement in forest areas to protect personal safety and to prevent further spread of fires. The City of Skopje confirms that there is also a ban on movement in wooded areas on Vodno and Skopska Crna Gora. Any persons found moving on forest land without permission will face a fine.”
Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 2 August 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding upcoming coronavirus-related restrictions in Manila, which reads in part as follows: “Community quarantine restrictions remain in place in many locations. The National Capital Region (Metro Manila) will be subject to Enhanced Community Quarantine, from 6 to 20 August. This is the strictest community quarantine level with restrictions placed upon movements outside the house, the closure of restaurants for dine-in patrons, and longer curfew hours. You should check with the Inter-Agency Task force and your Local Government Unit for the latest information on the restrictions where you are.
“The wearing of face shields while on public and private transport is now mandatory. This includes but is not limited to trains, buses, jeepneys, taxis, boats and ships. The order also includes aeroplanes. You should check with your airline in advance whether they will provide a shield or whether you need to bring your own.
“You should closely monitor announcements from local authorities to understand the latest restrictions and regulations where you’re situated, and their impact on your ability to travel and access essential services. Check the requirements of your local authority such as barangay clearance, health certificate or travel authority for any travel outside of your residence, including to the airport. For further information on rules and restrictions relating to quarantine classifications, visit the Department for Health website. ”
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