AMERICAS

Canada (Security threat level – 2): On 19 November 2020, authorities in British Columbia — where Vancouver is located – issued a face masks mandate for all indoor public spaces and business establishments until further notice. In addition, restrictions on social gatherings were extended until at least 7 December; the measures were originally set to expire on 23 November. Social gatherings with anyone outside a resident’s “core bubble” — typically members of the same household — are prohibited.

Ecuador / Colombia / Peru (Security threat levels – 3 / 4 / 3): On 19 November 2020, Ecuadorian authorities announced that current border closures with Colombia and Peru will remain in effect through the end of 2020 due to the risk of cross-border COVID-19 transmission. Commercial cargo and essential personnel will continue to be exempt from the restrictions; however, individual cross-border travel is prohibited. Authorities stated that while efforts at reaching bilateral agreements to partially reopen the borders remain ongoing, such resolutions will only proceed if there is mutual agreement on policy.

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 19 November 2020, security personnel deployed tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters who had gathered and set tires on fire along the thoroughfares 9a Avenida and 10a Calle, located near the congressional building in Zone 1 of the capital, Guatemala City. Clashes between demonstrators, who were protesting the recently passed federal budget, and law enforcement personnel left at least two people injured. Police officers temporarily closed roads in the affected areas until the protesters dispersed. While the next protest is scheduled to occur at 1400 local time on 21 November at the Plaza de la Constitución in Guatemala City, unplanned protests may occur before then.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 19 November 2020, California authorities announced a limited stay-at-home order from 2200 local time (0600 UTC) on 21 November until at least 1700 local time on 21 December for counties under Tier One (Purple) restrictions, the highest risk category of the state’s four-tiered system, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. The order includes a nightly curfew from 2200-0500 local time, which requires residents to stay in their homes and limit outside travel to essential activities such as procuring food and medicine or seeking emergency medical care. In addition, all nonessential businesses must close. Social gatherings and interactions between members of different households are prohibited. At present, approximately 94% of California’s population — corresponding to roughly 37 million residents — reside in a county classified as Tier One. The full text of the order is available here, and a list of counties’ corresponding tier levels can be found here.

On 19 November the mayor of Nashville, Tennessee, announced new restrictions on gatherings, beginning on 23 November and remaining in place until further notice. Under the order, public and private gatherings will be limited to eight people, instead of the current maximum of 25 people.

In Rhode Island, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced on 19 November that new restrictions will be imposed from 30 November to 13 December as part of a “two-week pause” to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the restrictions, in-person college and university classes are suspended, while bars, recreational venues, gyms, indoor sports facilities and non-essential offices will be required to close. Additionally, indoor dining will be reduced to 33% capacity, while social gatherings will be limited to the members of a single household.

ASIA

Philippines / Australia (Security threat levels – 4 / 2): On 20 November 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reverted Davao City — located in the Davao Region on the southern island of Mindanao — back to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until at least 30 November. Movement outside the homes of residents should be limited to essential activities such as procuring food or medicine, traveling to and from work in essential industries or seeking medical care. Meanwhile, residents under 15 years of age and those older than 65 are required to remain at home except to procure essential supplies or travel to and from work. Shopping centers and malls may operate with additional restrictions while leisure and recreational establishments must close for the duration of the GCQ. Hotels and private accommodation facilities may only cater to customers with prior or long-term bookings or those undergoing quarantine. Religious gatherings are restricted to either 10% of maximum capacity or up to 10 participants, depending on the size of the venue.

In Australia, on 19 November authorities in the state of South Australia — where Adelaide is located — announced that the statewide lockdown imposed the previous day would be lifted as of 2359 local time on 21 November (0559 UTC on 22 November). All restrictions will revert to those previously in place before the lockdown, including recommendations on the wearing of face masks and social distancing, the resumption of social activities with restrictions on occupancy, as well as other mandates, which will remain in place until further notice. Authorities lifted the lockdown after discovering that the extent of the COVID-19 cluster that prompted the shutdown was more limited in scope than initially anticipated.

EUROPE

Azerbaijan / Czech Republic / Portugal (Security threat levels – 3 / 2 / 2): On 20 November 2020, authorities in Azerbaijan imposed restrictions on taxi services during the weekends until further notice. Under the order, taxi services will be suspended every weekend from 0000 local time (2000 UTC) on Fridays until 0600 local time the following Monday. The measure was announced as part of a wider nationwide quarantine in effect until at least 1 December, which includes the suspension of public transportation services on the weekends in eight cities and 13 regions, including Baku and Ganja.

In the Czech Republic, on 19 November the lower house of parliament extended the nationwide state of emergency and all associated restrictions through at least 12 December. The measures include a nationwide nightly curfew from 2100-0500 local time (2000-0400 UTC), which prohibits individuals from leaving their homes except for work or in cases of emergency. Outside of curfew hours, travel outside the home or residence is permitted for essential purposes only. All nonessential businesses, public venues and recreational facilities are closed. Cafes and restaurants may operate takeout or delivery services only and most essential businesses must close by 2000 local time during the week and all day on Sunday; however, fuel stations, pharmacies, health care facilities and certain other shops may remain open. Public gatherings of more than two people are banned. The measure is likely to be extended again, as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region continues to rise.

In Portugal, Parliament approved a two-week extension to the existing state of emergency on the morning of 20 November due to the continued spread of COVID-19. The extension, which the president is expected to formally decree later in the day, will run from 24 November to 8 December. Per the Portuguese Constitution, a state of emergency shall not be applied for more than 15 days, although a declaration may be reviewed and renewed as the government deems necessary.