Canada (Security threat level – 2) : On 14 February 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked Canada’s Emergencies Act in an effort to quell ongoing protests demanding the repeal of coronavirus-related mandates in the country. Under the auspices of the emergency act, the government aims to expand regulations regarding money laundering to target crowd-funding websites as well as bank accounts being used to fund the protests. Officials have also warned that trucks will be forcibly removed from the protest sites and the insurance on the trucks will be suspended. While Trudeau ruled out deploying the military to end the disruptive protests, additional reinforcements from the federal police are being provided to local and provincial law enforcement officials. The demonstrations have primarily affected downtown Ottawa, Canada’s capital, where more than 400 trucks have occupied streets in the city center for more than two weeks. Smaller Canada-U.S. border crossings in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia are also experiencing disruptions, although the Ambassador Bridge in Ontario fully reopened late on 13 February.
France (Security threat level – 3): Early on 14 February 2022, an explosion led to a major fire that affected at least three residential buildings in the southern town of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque. At least eight people were killed and approximately 30 others were injured in the blast. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Germany (Security threat level – 3): Shortly before 1700 local time (1600 UTC) on 14 February 2022, two passenger trains collided near the Ebenhausen-Schäftlarn station, located southwest of Munich’s city center. The two S-Bahn regional trains, carrying a total of nearly 100 passengers, were reportedly involved in a head-on collision along a single railway track. At least one person was killed and more than a dozen others were injured. The cause of the collision is unknown; however, an investigation is underway.
Bahrain (Security threat level – 3): On 15 February 2022, Bahrain transitioned to the “Green Alert Level,” the lowest alert level on the country’s four-tier COVID-19 Alert Level Traffic Light System. Under the Green Alert Level, indoor facilities — including cinemas, conference halls, entertainment centers, playgrounds and sporting venues — are allowed to operate at 100% capacity. Individuals are not required to present a Green Shield vaccine pass to enter these facilities. All residents, regardless of vaccination status, may enter cafes, gyms, restaurants, retail outlets, shopping malls and other related venues. Face masks remain a requirement in all public indoor areas.
United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 3): As of 15 February 2022, authorities have removed most coronavirus-related occupancy restrictions in the UAE. All commercial establishments, shopping malls, transport centers and tourist locations may operate at full capacity. Individuals attending sporting events must show a “green pass” on the Alhosn app or demonstrate proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that is no more than 96 hours old. Local authorities may limit the capacities of social gatherings such as weddings and funerals. Residents remain required to wear face masks in all indoor and outdoor public settings.
Belarus (Security threat level – 3): On 14 February 2022, the U.S. Department of State released an updated Travel Advisory for Belarus, which reads in part as follows: “Do not Travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means.
“On January 31, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Embassy Minsk.
“Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region. On February 12, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of most U.S. direct hire employees from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. Given the heightened volatility of the situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus.”
The full text of the advisory is available here.
Moldova (Security threat level – 3): On 14 February 2022, the U.S. Department of State released an updated Travel Advisory for Moldova, which reads in part as follows: “Do not travel to Moldova due to COVID-19, the unusual and concerning Russian military activity around Ukraine, and the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government; U.S. citizens in Transnistria should depart immediately via commercial or private means.”
The full text of the advisory is available here.
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