AMERICAS

United States (Security threat level – 2): U.S. officials are requiring all inbound international air travelers to show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 viral test taken within one day before departure for the U.S. as of 0001 Eastern Standard Time (0501 UTC) on 6 December 2021. Those who possess proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 90 days are exempt from the pre-departure testing requirement. U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are also subject to the same requirements regardless of their vaccination status. Although unvaccinated U.S. nationals and LPRs are allowed entry, unvaccinated foreign nationals — who do not qualify under a limited number of exemptions — have been banned from entering the U.S. since 8 November. Further details as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are available here.

ASIA

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): As of 6 December 2021, rescue operations are underway in East Java province following a 4 December volcanic eruption at Mount Semeru, located in the Lumajang district. The eruption emitted plumes of ash up to an altitude of 12,000 m (40,000 ft) into the sky amid heavy rainfall. Subsequent volcanic debris covered nearby villages and towns, including the villages of Sapiturang and Sumberwuluh. More than 2,000 residents took refuge at emergency shelters following the eruption. According to a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, nearly 3,000 houses and 38 school buildings sustained damage due to the debris. At least 22 people were killed and 27 others remain missing. Additionally, 56 people remain hospitalized, mostly for burn-related injuries. Emergency personnel briefly suspended their operations earlier on 6 December due to additional activity at the volcano; however, rescue efforts have since resumed. Local officials have declared a state of emergency in the Lumajang district until 3 January 2022.

Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 5 December 2021, security forces fired live ammunition at a group of anti-government protesters in the Kyimyindaing township of Yangon while an army truck drove through the crowd. At least three people were reportedly killed in the event and several others were injured. Military personnel arrested 11 people during the protest. Anti-coup demonstrations have continued throughout the country despite a brutal crackdown on dissent. Such demonstrations are likely to continue in response to a 6 December court verdict sentencing former leader Aung San Suu Kyi to four years in prison. Approximately 1,300 civilians have been reportedly killed in Myanmar since the military takeover on 1 February.

EUROPE

Belgium (Security threat level – 3): On 5 December 2021, police officers deployed tear gas and fired a water cannon at protesters marching along the N3 roadway near the Parc du Cinquantenaire and other areas of central Brussels, the capital. Approximately 8,000 people had gathered to oppose the implementation of additional coronavirus-related restrictions in Belgium. Several groups of demonstrators blocked roadways and threw projectiles toward police officers. At least six individuals, including two police officers, suffered minor injuries due to the clashes. Police officers arrested 20 people during the demonstration.

Ireland (Security threat level – 2): On 3 December 2021, the government announced new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, effective 7 December. Under the restrictions — scheduled to be in effect until 9 January 2022 — nightclubs are required to shut down, while indoor entertainment, cultural and sporting events are limited to 50% capacity and audiences must be seated. Additionally, proof of vaccination will be required to enter gyms and other leisure establishments.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Sudan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1510 local time (1310 UTC) on 6 December 2021, police officers deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators near the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum. The protesters had rallied in opposition to the 21 November agreement between the military and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, which restored Hamdok and his civilian government to power. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had deposed Hamdok and dissolved the ruling Sovereign Council on 25 October. The protesters reject the deal and are demanding that the military submit to civilian rule. There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries.