fbpx
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
March 11, 2021
11-March-2021

AMERICAS

Brazil (Security threat level – 3): On 11 March 2021, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro extended coronavirus-related restrictions until 22 March as Brazil grapples with a significant spike of COVID-19 cases and experts issue warnings that the country’s health care system is overwhelmed. In the city of Rio de Janeiro, businesses in the service industry are allowed to operate from 0800 to 1700 local time (1100-2000 UTC), while other businesses are allowed to operate during the hours of 1030-2100 local time. Bars, restaurants and other food establishments are allowed to remain open until 2100 local time nightly, with only delivery or takeaway operations allowed after curfew. All indoor locations are required to operate at a maximum of no more than 40% capacity. Additionally, individuals are subject to a 2300-0500 local time nightly curfew, with a fine of 562.42 Brazilian reais (approximately 100 U.S. dollars) for noncompliance.

ASIA

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 11 March 2021, authorities announced that a 2200-0500 local time (1400-2100 UTC) nightly curfew will go into effect for cities within the Metro Manila area for 14 days beginning on 15 March in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. During the curfew, restaurants may remain open for delivery and essential workers traveling for work are exempt. Anyone who is outdoors during curfew hours will be required to present identification. Punishments for violators will vary by city.

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): On 11 March 2021, French authorities annulled an existing entry ban on nonessential travelers from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the U.K. Travelers from these seven countries may enter France for any reason beginning on 12 March, provided they possess proof of negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Anyone attempting to travel to France from outside of the EU must provide an essential reason for doing so. All individuals allowed to enter France are advised to quarantine for seven days.

Spain (Security threat level – 3): On 10 March 2021, health officials announced a series of mandatory quarantine measures as well as recommendations in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming Catholic holiday season, including the feast of San José and Holy Week. The restrictions will be in effect from 17-21 March and again from 26 March to 9 April, with officials imposing limitations on nonessential travel and activities. A nightly nationwide curfew from 2300 to 0600 local time (2200-0500 UTC) will be in effect, with officials of autonomous communities across Spain enforcing a perimeter that prohibits residents from exiting or entering established borders. Additionally, authorities recommend that indoor public gatherings be limited to at most four people and outdoor public gatherings to at most six people. Central government officials announced that the Canary and Balearic Islands are exempt from these restrictions. Subsequently, officials from the community of Madrid announced that they will not enforce the central government’s coronavirus-related restrictions. It is unknown whether officials in Madrid will pursue legal action to secure an exemption.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 10 March 2021, Jordanian authorities declared additional restrictions — which will go into effect on 13 March — in an effort to control the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country. Officials extended countrywide nightly curfew hours, which will be in effect from 1900-0600 local time (1700-0400 UTC) for individuals and from 1800-0600 local time for businesses. An exception for individuals and businesses in the agricultural sector will allow them to begin work at 0500 local time. Additionally, officials will implement a 24-hour curfew on weekends, including a ban on Friday prayers in mosques and Sunday prayers in churches, through 31 March.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Senegal (Security threat level – 3): On 10 March 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Senegal to include the following: “The opposition and civil society group ‘Movement to Democracy’ has called for a sit-in on Saturday 13 March at Place de la Nation in Dakar at 3pm. This is expected to be peaceful but you should avoid the area. You should continue to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and monitor local media for information.

“Following looting of several supermarkets on 5 March, almost all supermarkets have reopened. The road to the airport has reopened. There is a risk of gas and fuel shortages across the country following attacks on several petrol stations during the protests over the past week.”

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 10 March 2021, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI issued a joint advisory regarding vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server products, which reads in part as follows: “CISA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have released a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) to address recently disclosed vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server. CISA and FBI assess that adversaries could exploit these vulnerabilities to compromise networks, steal information, encrypt data for ransom, or even execute a destructive attack.

“The CSA places the malicious cyber actor activity observed in the current Microsoft Exchange Server compromise into the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&CK®) framework.

“CISA recommends organizations to review Joint CSA: AA-21-069 Compromise of Microsoft Exchange Server as well as the CISA Remediating Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities web page for guidance on detecting, protecting against, and remediating this malicious activity.”