Hot Spots Report

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 4): On 23 June 2022, health authorities in Macau expanded the city’s current COVID-19 shutdown to include bars, cinemas, hair salons, fitness centers, outdoor parks and beaches, effective immediately. Businesses are required to close at 1700 local time (0900 UTC), while restaurants will be allowed to remain open for takeout service only. The expansion follows the completion of mass coronavirus testing on the island that started on 20 June and has revealed an additional 100 new cases among the population. For the duration of the lockdown period, travelers who wish to leave Macau will be required to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 24 hours prior to their departure.

NORTH AMERICA

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 22 June 2022, a power outage temporarily affected 1.3 million people in the states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, including in the tourist areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. The blackout – which lasted for several hours – occurred after a worker was injured while performing routine maintenance on a high-voltage line near the city of Merida. Six high-voltage lines failed shortly thereafter. Power was fully restored later in the afternoon.

SOUTH AMERICA

Ecuador (Security threat level – 2): On 22 June 2022, anti-government demonstrations continued in several Ecuadorian cities, including Quito and Guayaquil. In Quito, police officers deployed tear gas to disperse student demonstrators outside the main entrance of Salesian University on 12th of October Avenue, approximately 6 km (4 mi) south of Quito’s city center. Local authorities report that a group of protesters vandalized the state attorney general’s office on Patria Avenue and reportedly stole several state documents before police officers dispersed them from the area and erected a barricade outside of the government building. Additionally, the Quito Metropolitan Passenger Transportation Company announced that its Trolebus and Ecovia public transportation services will remain suspended indefinitely, as the company cannot guarantee the safety of its operators or passengers. In total, 48 routes — including all stations and terminals — will be out of operation until the company deems motorways safe for transit. Trolebus and Ecovia services were initially suspended on 20 June. In Guayaquil, riot police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered in Centennial Park in the city center. Demonstrations and violent clashes have occurred frequently in recent weeks throughout Ecuador as demonstrators continue to demand that the government address environmental issues, rising fuel prices, agricultural section debt, and oil and mining expansion on indigenous lands.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Germany (Security threat level – 3): On 23 June 2022, the U.S. Consulate General in Munich issued a Demonstration Alert regarding the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit, which reads in part as follows: “The G7 Leaders’ Summit will take place from June 26-28, at Schloss Elmau near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. German authorities have implemented heightened security measures in the vicinity of the conference and in locations of expected rallies. Access areas around the meeting site will be restricted. Expect security checkpoints, road closures, and traffic disruptions in the vicinity. The Bavarian Police have information on their website (German only) about what to expect in terms of Routes between Munich city center and the airport, and the connection from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald may be particularly affected. Protests and demonstrations related to the G7 Summit are expected in both downtown Munich and areas near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Although these are intended to be peaceful, even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence. We advise U.S. citizens to take common-sense precautions and avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.”