AMERICAS

Barbados / Chile (Security threat levels – 1 / 2): On 15 March 2021, authorities in Barbados revised restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 amid a phased reopening from a nationwide lockdown. The restrictions will remain in place during 15-21 March. Nationwide nightly curfew hours are now from 2100 to 0600 local time (0100-1000 UTC). Most businesses are permitted to operate Monday through Saturday, except for bars, cinemas, gyms, nightclubs and private boat charters. Additionally, private and public events remain banned.

The Chilean Ministry of Health has adjusted city-level quarantine measures nationwide based on the recent spread of COVID-19 cases. All modifications will commence at 0500 local time (0800 UTC) on 18 March, and remain in effect until further notice.

• The following 28 communities have been downgraded from the second phase (transition) to the government’s first phase (quarantine), the most restrictive phase of the government’s five-step plan: Taltal (located in Antofagasta Region), Huasco (located in Atacama region), Mount Patria (located in Coquimbo region), Father Hurtado, San Miguel, Renca, Maipo Island, The Prado, Fifth Normal, Florida, Cerrillos, and The Forest (all located in Santiago metropolitan region), Peumo and Pichidegua (located in O’Higgins region), Chanco and Talca (located in Maule region), Ñiquén, Truce, Chillán and Old Chillán (located in Ñuble region), Tucapel, Quilleco, Mulchén and Goatherd (all located in Bio bio region), Lonquimay and Galvarino (located in Araucania region), Saint Paul and Port Octay (located in Araucania region).
• The following nine communities have been downgraded from phase three (preparation) to phase two (transtion): Puchuncaví, Limache and The Cross (located in Valparaíso Region), Lolol (O’higgins region), Yungay (Ñuble region), Saint Barbara (Bio bio region), Futaleufu, Puqueldón and Cochamó (Los Lagos Region).
• The following communities have advanced to phase three (preparation) from phase two (transition): Rinconada (Valparaíso Region), Clear River (Maule region), Punta Arenas and Natal (Magallanes Region). Officials noted that the following communities have advanced to phase two (transition) from phase one (quarantine): Parral (Maule region), Puren, New Imperial and Melipeuco (Araucania region) and Hualaihué (Los Lagos Region).

Additionally, officials noted that given the upcoming Easter holiday, the following cities will have checkpoints installed between 1-4 April, limiting travel in and out of the following areas: the Santiago metropolitan region, Valparaíso, Greater Concepción, and between Temuco and Padre Las Casas.

ASIA

South Korea (Security threat level – 2): On 16 March 2021, authorities in the capital Seoul announced that all foreign workers will be required take a COVID-19 test within 15 days as of 17 March. Business owners with at least one foreign worker must also get tested. Officials did not provide details but stated that anyone who does not comply will be subject to penalties that include fines. The decision follows an 8 March order in Gyeonggi province, which surrounds Seoul, for all foreign workers to undergo COVID-19 testing by 22 March. All testing in Gyeonggi is free of charge. Violators are subject to a fine of up to 3 million won (2,600 U.S. dollars).

EUROPE

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 15 March 2021, the U.K. Department for Transport added Ethiopia, Oman, Qatar and Somalia to an existing list of countries from where travelers are banned to enter England. Subsequently, as of 0400 local time/UTC on 19 March, travelers from the four countries and individuals who have visited those countries in the previous 10 days will be prohibited from entering England. U.K. nationals, Irish nationals and individuals with residency rights in the U.K. are exempt from the entry ban and will be required to quarantine in hotels for 10 days upon arrival in England. Conversely, Mauritius and Portugal have been removed from the list and travelers from the two countries will be allowed to enter England as of the same time on 19 March. A full list of countries subjected to England’s entry ban is available here.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

British Virgin Islands (Security threat level – 1): On 16 March 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for the British Virgin Islands, which reads in part as follows: “BVI territorial waters are open to all internal traffic from 5am to 10pm, intra-island ferries may operate from 5am to 2am. Movement across maritime borders is prohibited except where authorised by the Governor in consultation with the Minister of Health.”