Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 11 November 2020, anti-government protests continued for a second consecutive day in several cities, including in the capital Lima, in response to the removal and replacement of former President Martín Vizcarra. Security personnel deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered in the Miraflores suburb, located approximately 8 km (5 mi) south of Lima. Police officers also arrested several protesters demonstrating in the Plaza San Martín, located in downtown Lima. Authorities have arrested and detained at least 30 protesters in Lima since the protests began. Local media reported similar demonstrations in at least 15 other cities in Peru.
United States (Security threat level – 2): On 11 November 2020, the governor of New York instituted a 2200-0500 local time (0300-1000 UTC) curfew for businesses that hold licenses from the State Liquor Authority, including bars and restaurants, and banned private gatherings of more than 10 people, effective as of 13 November. Gyms and fitness centers are also required to suspend operations by 2200 local time. Eateries may offer curbside pickup services during the curfew hours. The orders will remain in effect until further notice.
In Texas, on 11 November an El Paso County judge extended the county’s closure of nonessential businesses until 1 December. Nonessential businesses, including gyms, hair and nail salons, in-person dining establishments and tattoo parlors, will be required to remain closed. The judge stated that the order will remain in place until the COVID-19 hospitalization rate in El Paso County falls below 30%. An appeals court is set to rule on the legality of the order on 12 November. El Paso is the worst-affected city in the state.
On 11 November the governor of Ohio ordered residents to wear face masks in all indoor public areas and issued three additional provisions: Businesses must post a face-covering requirement notice at all entrances, stores are responsible for ensuring that customers and employees wear masks, and a new “Retail Compliance Unit” will inspect businesses to ensure compliance. Businesses that violate these provisions will be given a written warning on the first offense and will be closed for 24 hours for the second offense. Children under the age of 10 are exempt from the mask requirement.
Analyst Comment: Restrictions on businesses and gatherings are likely forthcoming in other locations in the U.S. in view of a sustained increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. Health officials registered a daily record of more than 145,000 new COVID-19 cases on 11 November, with more than 100,000 new cases registered daily for a ninth consecutive day. More than 65,000 patients infected with the virus remain hospitalized, which has raised concerns regarding hospital capacity.
United States (Security threat level – 2): Shortly before 0430 local time (0930 UTC) on 12 November 2020, Tropical Storm Eta made landfall near Cedar Key, Florida. The storm had briefly strengthened to Category 1 hurricane status in the Gulf of Mexico but weakened to tropical storm status before coming ashore. According to the most recent update issued by the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Eta was located approximately 10 mi (15 km) west of Gainesville and about 60 miles southwest of Jacksonville, as of 0700 local time. At that time, the storm was moving north at a speed of 15 mph (20 kph) and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with higher gusts.On its current forecast track, Eta will move across northern Florida during the course of the day and move into the Atlantic Ocean by the afternoon hours. The storm will then move parallel to — but offshore of the Carolinas — before dissipating as a non-tropical low-pressure system in the Atlantic Ocean by 13 November.
SunRail train service — the commuter rail system in the Greater Orlando area — has suspended its operations until 15 November due to the storm. Meanwhile, flight operations at Tampa International Airport (KPTPA/TPA) resumed earlier on the morning of 12 November after being suspended since 1500 local time the previous day. The governor of Florida has announced a disaster declaration for affected areas in the state.
Eta is forecast to produce an additional 1-3 in (25-75 mm) of rain across the Florida Peninsula on 12 November, with isolated maximums of up to 20-25 inches. Additional localized flash flooding and minor river flooding are expected. A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect from areas situated north of Florida’s Flagler-Volusia border line to St. Andrews Sound, Georgia.
China / South Korea (Security threat levels – 3 / 2): As of 11 November 2020, all travelers to China from South Korea are required to provide results from two negative COVID-19 tests taken in two different testing locations. All testing must also be completed within 48 hours prior to departure to China and the tests must be conducted at facilities approved by the Chinese Embassy in Seoul. The total cost of the tests is approximately 400,000 South Korean won (360 U.S. dollars).
Philippines / Vietnam (Security threat levels – 4 / 3): As of 1700 local time (0900 UTC) on 12 November 2020, Typhoon Vamco — known in the Philippines as Ulysses — was located approximately 275 km (170 mi) west-northwest of Manila, Philippines, and was tracking west at 22 kph (14 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Vamco was generating maximum sustained winds of 138 kph, with gusts of up to 166 kph. Vamco is forecast to strengthen over the next 36 hours as it transits the island of Luzon and moves out over the South China Sea towards Vietnam before weakening slightly and making landfall just north of Hue, Vietnam, on 14-15 November.
During the night of 11 November, Ulysses made landfall, causing extensive flooding and inflicting damage across the island of Luzon, including in the Metro Manila area. Authorities in Quezon City evacuated approximately 10,000 residents living in low-lying areas. Approximately 3 million households in the Manila area lost power, and several thousand were submerged. At least 14 people have died as a result of the storm and 15 more are missing. In the city of Marikina — located in the eastern portion of Metro Manila — approximately 40,000 homes were fully or partially submerged by floodwaters.
Greece / Spain (Security threat levels – 3 / 3): A countrywide nightly curfew from 2100-0500 local time (1900-0300 UTC) aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 is set to go into effect in Greece beginning on 13 November 2020 and continue until further notice. Exceptions will only apply to individuals commuting to and from work, traveling for medical reasons, or walking a pet outside their homes. Individuals leaving their home during curfew hours must first send a text message to 13033 or possess documentation from their employer confirming their employment and working hours. A countrywide lockdown, enacted on 7 November, remains in effect through 30 November.
As of 12 November, regions across northern Spain have imposed additional coronavirus-related restrictions to curb the significant spread of COVID-19 in the country. Authorities in the northeast region of Catalonia have extend the closure of bars and restaurants until 23 November. Additionally, officials in the northwest region of Castilla y Leon have requested that residents remain at home, while prohibiting gatherings of more than three people in public places. In the north region of Cantabria, authorities have advanced the regional curfew to commence at 2200 local time (2100 UTC), an hour earlier than the nationwide nightly curfew, which runs from 2300-0600 local time.
Bangladesh (Security threat level – 4): On 12 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a Security Alert regarding an incident in Dhaka’s Motijheel neighborhood, which reads in part as follows: “Police confirmed reports of five buses set on fire in the Dilkusha area within the Motijheel neighborhood (approximately 12 km south of the U.S. Embassy), and several crude explosive devices (locally known as cocktails) were detonated in the Uttara area (approximately 6 km north of the Embassy. Please be advised to avoid the Motijheel and Uttara areas this afternoon.”
Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 11 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa issued an Alert regarding Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (MHLM/SAP) in San Pedro Sula, which reads in part as follows: “Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula is expected to remain closed for approximately the next 35 days due to flooding damage sustained during Hurricane Eta. While repairs are carried out, the airport will be open only for humanitarian flights related to Hurricane Eta relief efforts.
“U.S. citizens with previously scheduled flights out of or into San Pedro Sula during this time period should contact their airline to make alternate travel arrangements.
“Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Golosón Airport in La Ceiba, and Juan Manuel Gálvez Airport in Roatán are open for normal operations.”
Singapore (Security threat level – 1): On 11 November 2020, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding COIVD-19 testing requirements for all arrivals, which reads in part as follows: “From 4pm UK time on 17 November everyone, apart from Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents who have been granted permission to enter Singapore from the UK (and from most other countries), must obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test) within 72 hours of travel. You will be issued with a 14 day Stay at Home Notice (SHN) for mandatory quarantine upon arrival.”
Turkey (Security threat level – 4): On 12 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued an updated Health Alert for Turkey, which reads in part as follows:
“On November 11, the Turkish Interior Ministry issued a notice to the public regarding new COVID restrictions/guidance.
“The circular text can be found at: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-genelge. “
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