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February 12, 2021
12-Feb-2021

AMERICAS

Haiti (Security threat level – 4) : On 10 February 2021, opposition leaders announced plans to hold nationwide anti-government protests on 14 February. The demonstrations are part of an effort to pressure President Jovenel Moise to resign so that Joseph Mécène Jean-Louis, the opposition’s designated transitional president, can assume control of the government. Although opposition leaders have called for the protest to proceed peacefully, security forces have deployed live ammunition and tear gas to disperse recent demonstrations.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 11 February 2021, the governor of the U.S. state of Nevada, where the resort city of Las Vegas is located, announced plans to ease coronavirus-related restrictions beginning on 15 February. According to the announcement, nonessential businesses — such as indoor shopping malls, recreational facilities and retail stores — may resume operations at 50% of maximum occupancy, while occupancy limits for casinos, gyms, places of worship and restaurants will increase to 35% from 25%. The limit on public gatherings will increase to 100 people from 50. Indoor private gatherings will remain limited to 10 individuals, but outdoor private gatherings will be allowed to host up to 25 attendees. Provided that daily new cases of COVID-19 and hospitalization numbers continue to decline in the state, the governor plans to allow gatherings of up to 250 people for events such as conferences, conventions and trade shows as of 15 March.

While the statewide mask mandate and social distancing rules will remain in place, the governor plans to cede control of most coronavirus-related restrictions to local governments in the state as of 1 May. Details regarding the state’s phased reopening plan are available here.

ASIA

Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 12 February 2021, widespread protests denouncing the military takeover of the government continued in cities nationwide. In Yangon, demonstrators rallied at Hledan Junction, Myaynigone Junction, Sule Pagoda and Kabar Aye Pagoda Road near the Myanmar Plaza shopping mall. Smaller protests also occurred outside the United Nations office on Natmauk Road and outside the Russian and Chinese embassies. Additionally, reports indicate that police officers deployed rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in the city of Mawlamyine, which is located near Bilu Island approximately 300 km (185 mi) east of Yangon, injuring at least three people. Demonstrations also occurred in Mandalay, the capital Naypyitaw, Dawei, and Myitkyna in Kachin state.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): As of 2359 local time (1259 UTC) on 12 February 2021, international flights to and from the state of Victoria are suspended until 2359 local time on 17 February. During this period, stage four restrictions — which include a stay-at-home order — will be in effect. Residents may travel within 5 km (3 mi) from their homes and only for essential reasons such as acquiring necessary goods, caregiving or other essential work. Face masks are mandatory in all public areas. Nonessential businesses will be closed, and most gatherings will be banned. For an exhaustive list of restrictions, please click here and select the “Table of Restrictions” file at the bottom of the page. The decision follows the discovery of a cluster of cases of a more contagious COVID-19 variant from the U.K. related to a quarantine hotel, which also includes several workers at Melbourne Airport (YMML/MEL).

EUROPE

Austria (Security threat level – 2): On 12 February 2021, authorities declared the western state of Tyrol a restricted zone until at least 22 February due to the spread of a South African variant of COVID-19. Individuals may only leave the state if they present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the preceding 48 hours. Anyone who fails to comply with the test requirement may be fined up to 1,450 euros (1,750 U.S. dollars). Exemptions are in place for cross-border commuters. An estimated 1,000 police officers and military personnel are stationed at the state’s border checkpoints, including at border crossings with Germany and Italy. German officials announced that the German border will be closed to Tyrol residents beginning on 14 February.

Cyprus (Security threat level – 2): A protest march is scheduled to occur at 1600 local time (1400 UTC) on 13 February 2021, beginning at Kolokasi Park in the capital city Nicosia. The march is sponsored by several non-profit organizations with a variety of demands for the government, including an end to government corruption and gathering restrictions. The event is expected to last for three hours. Police officials issued a statement on 12 February to remind protest organizers that large public gatherings remain banned and that violators will be subject to penalties.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 11 February 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Ecuador, which reads in part as follows: “Following the first round of presidential elections of February 2021, there have been announcements of protests across Ecuador, led by the political party Pachakutik. This may cause disruption and demonstrations across the country, potentially including road blockages in various provinces. In light of the unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, you should remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and keep up to date with developments via official local sources (ECU 911 emergency services ) and this travel advice. You should also be wary of unverified, unofficial information and allow extra time to reach your destination. Check the state of roads. ”

Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On 11 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “This year, the annual Carnival celebration begins on Sunday, February 14 and concludes on Wednesday, February 17. During Carnival, it is customary for crowds of varying size and accompanying Ra-Ra bands to hold spontaneous celebrations throughout the country. Ra-Ra bands will be out in the streets with increased frequency in the days prior to and during Carnival itself. Band members and onlookers may crowd around vehicles, block them in, bang on windows, crack bull whips, display knives and machetes, and make other overtly aggressive actions. It can be a potentially unsettling situation, but generally speaking, crowds remain non-violent.”

Russia (Security threat level – 3): On 12 February 2021, the U.S. mission in Russia issued a Demonstration Alert that reads in part as follows: “Media sources indicate that on Sunday, February 14, demonstrators are planning to gather on Old Arbat in Moscow at 2 PM. The location of the demonstration may move, and streets may be closed in the surrounding area. There may be similar unauthorized demonstrations in other cities.

“U.S. citizens should avoid this demonstration and any related activities. Recent, unauthorized demonstrations have seen a heavy police presence and a large number of arrests.

“Given the possibility of crowds, you should be aware of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which includes avoiding large crowds, distancing yourself from others, and wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.”

 

Slovenia (Security threat level – 2): On 12 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Given the improved epidemiological situation in Slovenia, the Slovenian government announced the following loosening of restrictions, effective 15 February:

  • Entry/Borders: You may now enter the country without quarantine if you have proof of a vaccination, proof of recovery from a prior Covid infection, or (as before) a negative Covid test result. Border crossings from Italy, Austria, and Hungary are no longer restricted to specific crossing points.
  • Gatherings: Gatherings of 10 people or fewer are now permitted with proper precautions, such as masks.
  • Internal travel: Restrictions on movement between regions have been eliminated. Curfew (2100-0600) remains in effect
  • Stores: Open. Restaurants or bars remained closed for in-person dining. Employees of businesses that have reopened may present proof of a test within seven days, instead of a daily test.
  • Ski resorts: Open. Users must show a negative Covid test result taken within the last seven days. (See testing centers).
  • Schools: All primary school students, and high school students in their final year, can return to school.

“For additional information from the Slovenian government, including reaching their call center, see their English-language Covid page. “