Canada (Security threat level – 2): On 27 May 2021, the chief public health official of Manitoba province announced that the government is imposing new restrictions in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, as the ongoing pandemic has put a severe strain on the provincial health care system. The new restrictions, slated to be in effect from 29 May to 12 June, prohibit all indoor public gatherings, as well as outdoor gatherings among people from separate households. In addition, companies are required to permit their personnel to work remotely if possible and residents are advised to stay indoors to the greatest extent possible during the two-week period. The announcement comes after health authorities recorded 297 new COVID-19 cases and eight fatalities over the course of a single day in the province, which has been in the critical (red) COVID-19 phase — the highest-level alert of the province’s four-tier color-coded pandemic response system — since November 2020. The full text of the latest announcement is available here.
Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Nationwide demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are expected to continue for a 31st consecutive day on 28 May 2021. Representatives of the National Strike Committee and the Colombian government are expected to hold a meeting on 30 May in a continued effort to resolve the unrest. In an emergency meeting on 27 May, the Colombian government demanded that all remaining roadblocks be lifted in order to make further progress in negotiations. According to the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, 44 people have been killed since demonstrations began on 28 April; however, only 18 fatalities have been tied to directly to demonstrations.
Demonstrations are scheduled to occur at various times in major cities across the country. In the capital Bogotá, protesters are expected to gather at several locations, including the Portal de Las Americas, Portal Suba, Estación del Olaya, Éxito 20 de Julio and Bridge of Dignity at 0900 local time (1400 UTC), as well as the Plaza de Bolívar, Parque Nacional, Monumento de los Héroes, Parque de los Hippies, Estadio El Campín, and Terminal del Sur at 1400 local time (1900 UTC). In Cali, demonstrators will gather at 0700 local time in the Cuatro Esquinas sector and march to Puerto Rellena.
Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 28 May 2021, the government extended the existing coronavirus-related state of emergency in the capital Tokyo, as well as in the prefectures of Aichi, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Kyoto, Okayama, Okinawa and Osaka, until 20 June; the measure was scheduled to expire on 31 May. Under the order, commercial businesses are to close nightly by 2000 local time (1100 UTC), while bars and restaurants are barred from serving alcohol and must close by 2000 local time. Additionally, large gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50% of a venue’s capacity, or 5,000 attendees at most.
Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 28 May 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all international flights traveling to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (RPVM/CEB) in Lapu-Lapu to be diverted to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (RPLL/MNL) in the capital Manila from 29 May to 5 June in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure compliance with public health orders. Under the current guidelines, all arriving travelers must undergo a 14-day quarantine, including 10 days at a government-approved facility with the remaining four under home quarantine.
Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 28 May 2021, authorities in South Australia state imposed border restrictions on travelers from neighboring Victoria state, where the city of Melbourne is located. Under the new measure, only residents of South Australia will be allowed to enter from Victoria. However, exemptions exist for residents who live within 70 km (44 mi) of the border. All travelers arriving to South Australia will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
France (Security threat level – 3): Beginning on 31 May 2021, travelers entering France from the U.K. will be subject to additional coronavirus-related restrictions, which include a mandatory seven-day quarantine and a requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before departure. Travelers from the U.K., except for French citizens and residents, will also only be allowed to enter for essential purposes. Additional details are available here.
Sweden (Security threat level – 2): On 27 May 2021, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven announced plans to ease some coronavirus-related restrictions as of 1 June. Bars and restaurants will be permitted to operate daily until 2230 local time (2030 UTC) and universities will be allowed to conduct in-person classes. Additionally, the maximum allowable capacity for seated indoor events will increase to 50 people, the capacity for non-seated outdoor events will increase to 100 people and the capacity for seated outdoor events will increase to 500 people.
Switzerland (Security threat level – 2): On 27 May 2021, authorities revised entry restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. As of 27 May, all travelers arriving in Switzerland from the U.K. are required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers may leave quarantine early if they test negative for COVID-19 on the seventh day of isolation and receive approval from local cantonal authorities. The measure applies to all travelers arriving from the U.K., regardless of nationality or residency status.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Security threat level – 3): On 27 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Location: From Bascarsija to in front of the Parliamentary Assembly Building, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
“Event: A group has announced peaceful demonstrations to take place on Sunday, May 30, 2021, commencing from 12:00 noon.
“U.S. government personnel may be advised to avoid the area. Spontaneous protests may occur without prior notice.”
Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 28 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a Demonstration alert, which reads in part as follows: “Demonstrations are currently underway in the area around Martyrs Stadium and are expected to move southwest to Rond Point Moulaert. Heavy traffic conditions and a police presence are expected. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the area.”
Analyst Comment: Reports from the scene of the protests indicate that security forces have deployed tear gas against the demonstrators. Travelers should avoid the area where protests are taking place.
Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 28 May 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The National Youth Movement for the Support of Cooperation Mali-Russia (MNJSC Mali-Russia) is calling for a demonstration to demand a Mali-Russia defense agreement. The demonstration is slated to occur at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 28, 2021, in the vicinity of the Esplanade de la Bourse du Travail. Malian authorities are aware of, but have not yet approved, the protest.
“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.”
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