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February 25, 2021
25-Feb-2021

AMERICAS

Brazil / Jamaica (Security threat levels – 3 / 3): According to reports from 23-24 February 2021, officials in the Brazilian states of Bahia, Ceará, and São Paulo imposed coronavirus-related restrictions to combat a recent spike in local cases of the COVID-19 variant first detected in the northwestern state of Amazonas. In Bahia, a statewide nightly 2200-0500 local time (0100-0800 UTC) curfew remains in effect until at least 27 February. Additionally, officials have closed beaches and clubs in Bahia’s capital Salvador. In Ceará, the governor imposed a statewide nightly curfew from 2200 to 0500 local time, with an exception for essential services workers. Businesses across the state are allowed to operate until 2000 local time on weekdays and until 1700 local time on Saturdays and Sundays. The measure is expected to remain in effect through 28 February. In São Paulo, the governor is set to impose a statewide nightly 2300-0500 local time curfew from 26 February through 14 March.

On 24 February Jamaican authorities extended existing coronavirus-related restrictions until 1 March. This includes a nationwide nightly curfew during 2000-0500 local time (0100 to 1000 UTC) and a limit of 10 attendees for social gatherings.

ASIA

Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 25 February 2021, clashes broke out between anti-coup protesters and supporters of the military in central Yangon. Reports indicate that approximately 1,000 pro-military demonstrators were marching in the vicinity of Yangon Central railway station when they encountered a group of anti-coup protesters. Violence broke out shortly afterward, with the military supporters wielding a variety of weapons, including knives, clubs and slingshots. At least two people were stabbed, but their conditions remain unknown. Information regarding any additional injuries also remains unknown. Both groups dispersed after nearby security forces moved in to clear the area.

Taiwan (Security threat level – 1): On 24 February 2021, authorities announced that face masks will remain mandatory at all large gatherings until further notice; the mandate was initially scheduled to end on 28 February. Violators of the order are subject to a fine of 3,000 new Taiwanese dollars (105 U.S. dollars). Additionally, as of 1 March some limits on foreign travelers will be lifted, including allowing business travel in some cases. Transit flights will also be allowed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (RCTP/TPE) under certain circumstances. As part of the rules, travelers may transit if their connecting flight is with the same airline they arrived on and if their layover is eight hours or less.

EUROPE

Denmark / Georgia (Security threat levels – 2 / 3): On 24 February 2021, Danish authorities announced plans to ease some nationwide coronavirus-related restrictions. As of 1 March, stores with business areas smaller than 5,000 square meters (53,800 square feet) will be allowed to reopen, while outdoor leisure activities involving up to 25 people will be permitted to resume. Meanwhile, schools will be allowed to reopen in the North Jutland and West Jutland regions.

On 24 February Georgian authorities announced plans to begin lifting coronavirus-related restrictions nationwide. As of 25 February a ban on intercity travel is no longer in effect. Public transportation services may resume weekend operations on 26 February. Restaurants in the city of Batumi are allowed to reopen indoor seating sections as of 1 March; restaurants in the rest of the country will be allowed to reopen indoor seating one week later. Venues such as libraries and museums may reopen on 1 March, and gyms are scheduled to resume operations on 15 March. Businesses such as malls and markets will be allowed to open every day of the week beginning on 8 March; currently, they may only operate on weekdays. Finally, as of 1 March travelers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine may enter the country if they present negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test. The nationwide nightly 2100-0500 local time (1700-0100 UTC) curfew will remain in effect until further notice.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 24 February 2021, officials imposed a weeknight and a weekend curfew until further notice in response to increasing numbers of new COVID-19 cases. Under the weeknight curfew, residents are prohibited from leaving their homes during 2200-0600 local time (2000-0400 UTC). Meanwhile, the weekend curfew prohibits individuals from leaving their residences beginning at 2200 local time on Thursdays until 0600 local time on Saturdays. There is an exception in place for one hour on Friday for prayers, but individuals must attend a mosque within walking distance of their household.

In addition to the curfews, authorities will also impose penalties for violating masking and social distancing requirements, including a fine of 60 Jordanian dinars (85 U.S. dollars) for not wearing a face mask in public.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Guinea-Bissau (Security threat level – 4): On 24 February 2021, the government extended the existing state of calamity until at least 25 March. Under the measure, which was initially enacted to replace a state of alert on 23 January, a series of coronavirus-related restrictions remain in place. For example, public transportation is operating at a limited capacity, face masks are mandatory in public, many nonessential businesses are required to remain closed, and restaurants are only permitted to offer takeout service.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 25 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a Health Alert regarding an Ebola outbreak in North Kivu province, which reads in part as follows:

“Event: The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared an outbreak of Ebola in the province of North Kivu with reported and confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Biena and Katwa health districts.

“On February 24, CDC issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Ebola is one of the hemorrhagic fever illnesses. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids.

Ebola symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising.”

The full text of the alert is available here.

Somalia (Security threat level – 5): On 25 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu issued a Demonstration Alert regarding potential protests, which reads in part as follows:

“Event: Demonstrations potentially will take place on Friday, February 26, 2021, in Mogadishu. Somalia’s opposition presidential candidates have called for protests against President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo” and delays in the country’s electoral process. Given the risk of violent crime and civil unrest, U.S. citizens should avoid any demonstrations and any demonstration-related activities.”