AMERICAS

Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 10 January 2021, authorities imposed a series of nationwide restrictions effective until 17 January in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. A nationwide nightly curfew from 2100 to 0500 local time (0300-1100 UTC) is in place; residents must remain in their homes and outside travel is prohibited except for emergency situations or the procurement of essential goods and services. Banks, shopping malls, supermarkets and other retail establishments must restrict occupancy to 50% and establish specified business hours for certain groups, including the elderly and pregnant women. Bars, convention centers, nightclubs and other similar venues are required to remain closed. Children are prohibited from entering any business. Individuals must wear a face mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces and comply with social distancing regulations.

ASIA

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1440 local time (0740 UTC) on 9 January 2021, Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 crashed approximately four minutes after takeoff from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (WIII/CGK). The Boeing 737-500 aircraft, with registration number PK-CLC (MSN 27323), was en route to Pontianak’s Supadio International Airport (WIOO/PNK) — which is located along the western coast of Borneo island. Reports indicate that the aircraft lost more than 3,045 m (10,000 ft) of altitude in less than one minute and crashed near Pulau Laki, located just off the northern coast of Jakarta. At least 56 passengers and six crew members were on board the aircraft.

On 10 January authorities located the aircraft’s black boxes in the ocean near the Thousand Islands between Laki and Lancang. Authorities also retrieved human remains and wreckage from the crash site. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as of 11 January, but retrieval has been complicated by the fact that the wreckage is located on the ocean floor, approximately 23 m (75 ft) below the surface.

EUROPE

Cyprus (Security threat level – 2): On 10 January 2021, authorities implemented stricter coronavirus-related measures that are scheduled to be in effect until at least 31 January. A nightly curfew from 2100 to 0500 local time (1900 to 0300 UTC) will remain in effect; residents will be allowed to leave their homes twice a day with approval provided via an SMS text exchange with the phone number 8998. Individuals older than 65 years of age may submit for approval to leave home via a printed form. Exemptions are in place for those who need to walk a pet as well as for those taking children and individuals with special needs to care centers. Nonessential businesses, such as department stores and gyms, are required to close. Businesses are allowed no more than 15% of staff working at a site at a time, with a maximum of 20 people allowed inside.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Bahrain / Qatar (Security threat levels – 3 / 2): On 11 January 2021, Bahraini authorities lifted the country’s airspace ban on flights originating from Qatar, as part of a recent agreement between Qatar and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Bahrain — in coordination with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE — had maintained a ban on flights from Qatar since July 2017, due to a dispute over Qatar’s foreign policy.