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March 30, 2021
30-March-2021

AMERICAS

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 29 March 2021, the Ministry of Health adjusted city-level quarantine measures across Chile amid a record-level number of COVID-19 cases, the highest level since the pandemic commenced. All changes will be imposed as of 0500 local time (0800 UTC) on 1 April. The following communities will revert to phase 1 of the government’s five-step quarantine plan: Puchuncaví, Casablanca, The Tabo, La Ligua, Malloa, Pelluhue, Santa Barbara, Victory, Theodore Schmidt, Pucon and Hualaihué. The following communities will revert to phase 2: Maria Elena, San Esteban, Peralillo and Bulnes. The following communities will revert to phase 3: Guaitecas and Cape Horn. The following communities will advance to phase 3: Huarat, San Pedro de Atacama, Petorca and Palena.

Analyst Comment: Chile is experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. Intensive care units are at 95% capacity, with seven of every 10 ICU beds occupied by a COVID-19 patient. The Ministry of Health reported more than 7,300 new coronavirus cases on the previous day, the fourth consecutive day to exceed 7,000 cases.

Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On the afternoon of 29 March 2021, police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters in Champ de Mars park in the capital Port-au-Prince. The demonstrators threw stones at security personnel, set fire to the National Driver’s Insurance Office building and smashed windshields of nearby vehicles. At least three people were reported injured. Additional protests occurred near the Carrefour Aéroport viaduct and Petionville neighborhood. The demonstrators had gathered to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the 1987 Haitian constitution and to protest a new draft constitution that grants additional powers to the president.

Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 29 March 2021, Honduran authorities announced temporary entry restrictions on travelers from South American countries in an effort to stop the spread of the new strain of the coronavirus that originated in Brazil. The entry restrictions also apply to any Honduran national who has visited a South American country within the last 15 days. Similar bans are in place for travelers from the U.K. and South Africa. All other inbound travelers must present the result of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as well as register with the government at this link before traveling to Honduras.

ASIA

Bangladesh (Security threat level – 4): On 29 March 2021, Bangladeshi authorities tightened entry restrictions and other measures in an effort to slow the rapidly rising rate of COVID-19 infections in the country. As of 31 March passengers arriving in Bangladesh from the U.K. and other European countries will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a government facility or a government-approved hotel at their own expense, where they will be required to take a COVID-19 test at the end of their quarantine; those with negative results will be allowed to leave the facility, whereas those with positive results will be transported to a government hospital. In regard to passengers arriving from all other countries, health officials at ports of entry will decide whether the travelers need to quarantine at a government-designated location or can self-quarantine at the location of their choice. An existing requirement to display proof of negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours old also remains in place.

In addition, the government has imposed occupancy limits on all public transport to 50% of maximum seating capacity, and all hotels, restaurants, nonemergency governmental and nongovernmental offices may operate at 50% of maximum occupancy. Public gatherings are banned in areas with high COVID-19 infection rates. These measures are currently set to be in place through at least 12 April. The Health Ministry has suggested that the government impose partial lockdowns in areas with higher infection rates.

EUROPE

Slovenia (Security threat level – 2): On 28 March 2021, the Slovenian government announced a nationwide lockdown from 1-12 April to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the restrictions, a nightly curfew from 2200 to 0500 local time (2000-0300 UTC) will be in effect, all outdoor gatherings will be banned and face masks will be mandatory in public spaces. Nonessential businesses and services, including ski resorts, will be required to close, while hotels may only host businesspersons, diplomatic personnel or professional sports teams.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Morocco (Security threat level – 3): As of 0000 local time on 30 March 2021 (2300 UTC on 29 March), flights between Morocco, Spain and France are suspended. The Moroccan government’s ban on flights is effective until further notice. Authorities implemented the ban in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Authorities have also imposed greater screening requirements on special repatriation flights.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Côte d’Ivoire (Security threat level – 4): Overnight on 28-29 March 2021, suspected Islamist militants launched attacks on two security outposts near Côte d’Ivoire’s border with Burkina Faso. According to the military, approximately 60 gunmen perpetrated the attack in the town of Kafolo, killing two soldiers and injuring four others. The military reportedly engaged the militants and repelled them, killing at least three assailants. Meanwhile, an unspecified number of assailants launched an additional attack on the outpost in Kologobo, killing a police officer. While no group has thus far claimed responsibility, authorities suspect that Burkina Faso-based Islamist extremists perpetrated both attacks.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Djibouti (Security threat level – 3): On 30 March 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “On Friday April 9, 2021, Djibouti will hold general elections. In the runup to April 9, it is anticipated that President Guelleh, senior government officials and other prominent party members may be holding and / or attending political rallies. Additionally, the possibility of anti-government events or protests exists. Any of these events will likely add to the increased security presence on the roadways and around the city.

“Rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice, and even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. As with any public space, there is also the opportunity for criminal elements or terrorists to target participants, visitors, or the location. If you inadvertently end up in the midst, or close to an event such as this, please reverse course as quickly and safely as possible. You should avoid areas of gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of any such events.”

Liechtenstein (Security threat level – 1): On 29 March 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Liechtenstein, which reads in part as follows: “Liechtenstein has relaxed some coronavirus restrictions. Private gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed both indoors and outdoors. Public outdoor events of up to 25 people are permitted. All shops, markets and religious institutions are open and medical practitioners (including dentists) have resumed non-urgent treatment. Cultural, entertainment, recreational and indoor sports establishments are open. Outdoor sports remain permitted, subject to compliance with social distancing measures; this includes the Malbun ski resort. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs remain closed until at least 19 April 2021.”