Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): On 2 June 2021, Bermudian authorities announced the loosening of select coronavirus-related restrictions beginning on 6 June. Shops and grocery stores will be allowed to operate at full capacity, while gatherings may have a maximum of 50 attendees. The nightly curfew, which is currently in effect from 2000 to 0600 local time (2300 to 0900 UTC), will be enforced from 0000 to 0500 local time. Bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen at a limited capacity.
China (Security threat level – 3): Authorities in Hong Kong have banned all gatherings in the city on 4 June 2021, the traditional commemoration date of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. for a second consecutive year, citing a current ban on gatherings of more than four people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 3,000 additional police officers will be deployed, particularly around Victoria Park in Causeway Bay — where a large vigil was held annually — and the June 4th Museum in Mong Kok to prevent gatherings. Small-scale impromptu demonstrations are possible, while large protests remain unlikely, as many activists and protest leaders have been arrested in recent months for allegedly violating national security laws.
Taiwan / Philippines (Security threat levels – 1 / 4): As of 1700 local time (0900 UTC) on 3 June 2021, Tropical Storm Choi-wan was located approximately 425 km (265 mi) northwest of Manila, Philippines, and was moving northwest at 28 kph (17 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Choi-wan was generating maximum sustained winds of 65 kph, with gusts of up to 83 kph. On its current path, the storm is expected to shift northeast overnight during 3-4 June before making landfall over the southern tip of Taiwan on the afternoon of 4 June. Taiwanese authorities issued a warning regarding likely strong seas as the storm approaches. After crossing Taiwan, the storm is likely to continue along a northeastern path toward Japan’s Ryukyu Islands as it slowly dissipates.
In the Philippines, the tropical storm caused significant flooding and landslides in the southern and central areas, including in the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato. Cargo and passenger travel were temporarily halted at seaports in those areas. Local officials stated that more than 2,600 people were displaced due to the storm. There were at least three storm-related fatalities.
Portugal (Security threat level – 2): On 2 June 2021, Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa announced that the country will advance with its phased reopening, as 93% of its population over 60 years of age has been inoculated for COVID-19. As of 14 June, telework will no longer be mandatory, most businesses previously deemed nonessential will be allowed to operate, and public transportation services will commence operating with at least two-thirds of maximum occupancy. Additionally, cultural events are allowed to resume and concert halls are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. During the second phase of the reopening — 28 June to 31 August — most businesses and public transportation will be allowed to operate at full capacity. The following restrictions remain in effect through 31 August: bars and clubs are required to remain closed, popular festivals and pilgrimages remain suspended, and weddings are restricted to less than 50% of a venue’s capacity.
The government also presented a framework of restrictions for municipalities that exceed COVID-19 incidence limits. If a municipality exceeds 120 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (or 240 cases in low-density districts) for two consecutive weeks, then the following restrictions apply: telework will become mandatory; restaurants, cafes and bakeries will be required to close at 2230 local time (2130 UTC); and cultural event venues and retail businesses are required to close at 2100 local time. If a municipality exceeds 240 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (or 480 cases in low-density districts) for two consecutive weeks, the following restrictions apply: telework will become mandatory; restaurants, cafes and bakeries will be required to close at 2230 local time on weekdays and 1530 local time on weekends and holidays; and weddings and baptisms will be restricted to 25% of a venue’s capacity.
Additional information about these COVID-19 restrictions as outlined by the government of Portugal is available here (in Portuguese).
Algeria (Security threat level – 4): Algerian authorities reopened the country’s airspace for international flights on 1 June 2021, citing an improved coronavirus-related situation in the country. In order to enter Algeria, travelers are required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 36 hours of boarding their flight. Additionally, authorities require travelers to undergo a second PCR test upon arrival and quarantine for five days in a government-designated hotel at the traveler’s expense. There are no exceptions to these policies for vaccinated individuals. International commercial flights to and from Algeria had been suspended since March 2020.
Iran (Security threat level – 3): On 3 June 2021, emergency crews extinguished a large-scale fire at Shahid Tondgovian liquefied natural gas (LNG) refinery, located just south of the capital Tehran. The refinery is expected to resume operations later in the day. Operations at the refinery were suspended the previous day after the blaze broke out at the facility. A spokesperson for the Tehran Fire Department stated that 180 firefighters and 60 heavy operating vehicles from 10 different fire stations were deployed to battle the blaze, which was extinguished after more than 20 hours. The fire reportedly started in the emergency LNG lines at the facility, although the precise cause of the fire is unknown at this time. At least 11 people were injured, but there were no reports of fatalities.
Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 2 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Various civil society and political groups are calling for demonstrations on June 3 and 4 in Bamako in support of the transition government. The demonstration on Thursday, June 3 is expected to occur at 3:00 PM. The demonstration on Friday, June 4 is expected to occur at 2:00 PM. Both demonstrations are expected to take place in the vicinity of the Monument de l’Indépendance.
“Spontaneous demonstrations are also possible in other areas over the next few days and may occur with little or no notice. Demonstrations sometimes turn violent, resulting in the burning of tires, clashes with the police, blockage on the roads and bridges, throwing of rocks at vehicles, the deployment of tear gas, and small arms fire.”
Romania (Security threat level – 2): On 3 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Due to the recent decrease in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Romania announced new relaxation measures. The new restrictions generally increase capacity and participant limits for public and private events, restaurants and resorts, and other entertainment activities. In general, events and venues may accommodate clients at full capacity if all participants are vaccinated. Otherwise, the measures reflect a gradual relaxation of restrictions.
“They include the following:
“The full decision can be found on the Romanian Ministry of Interior’s website here. ”
Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 2 June 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Sri Lanka regarding an extension to the ongoing countrywide travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. The advice reads in part as follows: “The Government of Sri Lanka have announced an island-wide travel restriction, which will be in place until 14 June. Those not adhering to restrictions and local guidelines risk arrest. You should follow the advice of local authorities.
“A 24-hour hotline number 1965 has been introduced for the public to make enquiries about essential services in operation while travel restrictions are in place.
“The Ministry of Health has categorised Sri Lanka under Covid-19 Risk Alert Level 3. Revised Ministry of Health guidelines have been published on the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit website. “
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