Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On 1 December 2021, employees of the state-run entity Administration of Airport and Auxiliary Services to Air Navigation (AASANA) — which is responsible for the management of Bolivia’s airports – launched an indefinite strike to demand that the government pay wage arrears and overtime owed from November and December 2020, replace the director of AASANA, and suspend plans to restructure the institution. In response, the government stated that it has activated a contingency plan to guarantee normal operations at all airports. Additionally, President Luis Arce issued a decree calling for the elimination of AASANA and the creation of the Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports (NAABOL) in its stead.
Brazil (Security threat level – 3): On 30 November 2021, health officials reported that two Brazilians have tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19, the first reported cases in Latin America. One of the individuals had arrived at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos international Airport (SBGR/GRU) from South Africa on 23 November with a negative test for COVID-19.
Authorities in Brazil shut the country’s borders on 26 November to foreign travelers arriving from six African countries — Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe — amid concerns of the spreading omicron variant. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) reported that foreigners who have traveled to any of the six aforementioned countries in the prior 14 days should not be allowed to enter Brazil, while Brazilians arriving from those countries should be required to quarantine.
United States (Security threat level – 2): According to reports on 30 November 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to tighten entry requirements for all air travelers entering the U.S. due to concerns regarding the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Inbound travelers will be reportedly required to present proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before departure for the U.S. Reports suggest that the stricter requirement for pre-departure tests may be announced as early as 2 December, although it is unknown when it will take effect. At present, most foreigners entering the U.S. must be fully vaccinated and possess proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure for the U.S. Unvaccinated U.S. nationals and permanent residents are currently required to present a negative test result obtained within 24 hours before departure.
Austria (Security threat level – 2): On 30 November 2021, a parliamentary committee in Austria ratified a decree to extend the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown until 11 December due to high COVID-19 transmission rates. During the lockdown — which has been in effect since 22 November — individuals are permitted to leave their residences only for essential reasons, such as traveling to workplaces, pharmacies and grocery stores. In addition, nonessential businesses, such as restaurants, bars and cafes, are closed.
Germany (Security threat level – 3): On 1 December 2021, an explosion occurred at a construction site near the Donnersbergerbrücke train station in Munich, the state capital of Bavaria. At least four people were wounded in the blast; one of the victims suffered serious injuries. Bavaria’s interior minister stated that workers at the site accidentally struck a World War II-era bomb while conducting drilling work, causing the blast. Following the event, rail services through the station were halted as a precaution; the latest reports suggest that services at the station have partially resumed.
Austria (Security threat level – 2): On 30 November 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Vienna issued a Demonstration Alert regarding planned protests on 1 December, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following areas in Austria:
“Event: On Wednesday, December 1, the FPOe (Freedom Party Austria) has called for demonstrations and general strike to stop work and take to the streets against COVID-19 mandatory vaccinations.
“In Vienna, a demonstration is expected to begin at 1:00 p.m. at Maria-Theresien Platz. At 3:00 p.m. the demonstration will move onto the Ring Road. An estimated 2,500 to 3,500 people are expected to attend. The FPOe is also urging residents across Austria to demonstrate in front of each state’s Parliament building.
“Heavy police presence and traffic obstructions should be expected in these areas.”
Gambia (Security threat level – 3): On 30 November 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Banjul issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Gambia’s presidential election is scheduled for December 4, 2021. Thus far the presidential campaign has proceeded peacefully, with no reports of political violence or social unrest. However, even peaceful elections can become confrontational and escalate to violence. Exercise caution and try to avoid large gatherings and protests.
“As a general precaution and because election day is a national holiday with a focus on citizens voting, U.S. government personnel not participating in election observation have been advised to remain near their homes on election day and during the vote counting process. U.S. citizens in The Gambia are advised to take the same precaution. We will closely monitor the election process and will keep you informed should events pose a threat to U.S. citizens.”
Ukraine (Security threat level – 4): On 1 December 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a Demonstration Alert regarding planned protests in Kyiv, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Kyiv: Verkhovna Rada, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, and Bankova
“Event: Today, December 1, throughout the day, several large protests are planned in Kyiv near the Verkhovna Rada (across from Maryinsky Palace), at Maidan Nezalezhnosti, and at the Office of the President.”
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