Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 10 February 2021, authorities extended lockdowns in metropolitan Lima and the regions of Lima, Ancash, Pasco, Huanuco, Junin, Huancavelica, Ica, Apurímac and Callao until 28 February in an effort to curb a second wave of COVID-19 infections. A nightly curfew from 2000 to 0400 local time (0100 to 0900 UTC) is in effect, and only one person from each household is allowed to travel once a day for a maximum of one hour. All nonessential businesses are closed, including gyms and casinos. Essential businesses, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, are allowed to operate at 40% capacity. Interprovincial air and ground travel in the aforementioned regions is banned.
India (Security threat level – 3): On 11 February 2021, police officers in Kolkata – the capital of West Bengal state – deployed tear gas, water cannons and baton charges against protesters in the city’s Esplanade neighborhood after the demonstrators, who were primarily from left-wing political parties, breached several barricades while attempting to reach the State Secretariat building. A spokesperson for the protesters claimed that 150 of them suffered injuries during the unrest, although that could not be confirmed. Following the violence, protest leaders announced that they will hold a statewide bandh (strike) during 0600-1800 local time (0030-1230 UTC) on 12 February.
Belgium / Germany / Spain / Portugal (Security threat levels – 3 / 3 / 3 / 2): On 11 February 2021, Belgian officials extended the ban on nonessential travel to and from the country until at least 1 April. Exceptions are in place for individuals with family emergencies, as well as for those with travel plans for business or for study. Cross-border residents will be permitted to traverse the border for a maximum of 48 hours without being subject to a quarantine. The travel ban originally went into effect on 27 January.
German authorities on 10 February extended coronavirus-related restrictions until 7 March. Under the rules, restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery only; cultural centers, entertainment venues and nonessential businesses remain closed; and residents may only meet with one other person from outside their household at a time. Hair salons will be allowed to reopen on 1 March, and if the virus incidence rate falls below 35 new cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period, then museums, galleries and some nonessential businesses may reopen prior to 7 March.
The Spanish minister of health on 9 February extended existing coronavirus-related restrictions through 2 March on passengers arriving on flights and ships from Brazil, South Africa and the U.K., as the government of Spain aims to curb the spread of new COVID-19 variants. Under the current limitations, only citizens or residents of Spain or Andorra are allowed to enter Spain from Brazil, South Africa and the U.K., and only after obtaining a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Separately, the Spanish government extended its land border closure with Portugal until 1 March.
Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): On 11 February 2021, rival groups of the National Union of Transport Workers (NURTW) armed with guns and swords clashed in the Obalende area of Lagos Island in the city of Lagos. Reports indicate that fighting occurred from the Kam Selem House on Moloney street to the Ministry of Communications building on Lewis street over control of a parking lot, although the specific cause of the clash remains unknown. Unverified reports claim that dozens of people sustained minor injuries and that several properties were damaged.
Libya (Security threat level – 5): On 10 February 2021, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued an updated Maritime Advisory, which reads in part as follows:
“1. Issues: The ongoing conflict in Libya continues to pose a potential risk to U.S. flagged commercial vessels transiting near coastal Libya. Threats may come from a variety of different sources including, but not limited to: missiles, rockets, artillery, mines, small arms, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These threats pose a direct risk to all commercial vessels operating in the area.
“2. Guidance: Vessels operating in this area are advised to review security measures, ensure AIS is transmitting always (except when transmitting creates a threat to the safety or security of the ship or where a security incident is imminent, consistent with provisions of SOLAS and U.S. law), and monitor VHF Channel 16.
“a) Vessels at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments, or proceeding at slow speeds should be especially vigilant. U.S. flagged commercial vessels transiting the conflict area should conduct a risk assessment and incorporate appropriate protective measures into their vessel security plans.
“b) To afford best protection in the region, U.S. flagged commercial vessels are encouraged to check in with the NATO Shipping Center upon entering the Mediterranean Sea. In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, call the NATO Shipping Center and activate the Ship Security Alert System immediately. Mariners are also encouraged to review the “Central Mediterranean” section of the NATO Shipping Center website at https://mc.nato.int/nsc/operations/news/2020/threat-to-commercial-shipping-operating-in-the-mediterranean-2.”
To read the full text of the advisory, please click here.
Senegal (Security threat level – 3): On 11 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar issued a Demonstration Alert regarding planned protests, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Various neighborhoods throughout Dakar, Senegal, including:
“Event: Planned demonstrations are expected to take place over the next several days, with the possibility of additional spontaneous demonstrations. The demonstrators intend to protest in response to increased political tensions. Demonstrations may occur on major roadways in and around the areas mentioned above, resulting in increased traffic delays. The Government of Senegal is providing police presence when demonstrations occur.”
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