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22-November-2022

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): As of 22 November 2022, travelers arriving in Beijing must comply with additional government-imposed coronavirus testing requirements following a recent surge in new daily COVID-19 cases. Travelers to the city are now required to take COVID-19 tests daily for the first three days; if the results are negative, travelers may end their self-isolation. In addition, public parks and museums in the city have been shut down. Health officials have previously implemented lockdowns in the Haidian and Chaoyang districts, forcing the closure of shops and restaurants. Authorities reported 1,438 new cases of COVID-19 in Beijing on 21 November, along with two coronavirus-related deaths. Meanwhile in Shanghai, officials announced that individuals who have been in the city for less than five days will be prohibited from entering shopping malls, restaurants, bars and other indoor public venues beginning on 24 November. However, no such ban is in place in regard to using public transportation or visiting offices. Cultural and entertainment venues in seven of Shanghai’s 16 districts were shut down on 22 November.

NORTH AMERICA

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1045 local time (1545 UTC) on 21 November 2022, a motorist drove his SUV into an Apple showroom at an outdoor shopping mall in Hingham, Massachusetts — located approximately 15 mi (25 km) south of downtown Boston. The vehicle plowed through a glass window, struck a number of people and came to a halt inside the store. At least one person was killed in the crash and 19 others were injured, including several people hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities arrested the motorist later in the day and have launched a criminal probe into the event. No further information is available regarding what led to the crash.

OCEANIA

Solomon Islands (Security threat level – 1): At approximately 1300 local time (0200 UTC) on 22 November 2022, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 55 km (30 mi) southwest of the Solomon Islands’ capital city Honiara at an estimated depth of 15 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Strong shaking was reported in Honiara, causing panic among residents. Moderate shaking was reported in Tulaghi, while light shaking was felt in Taro’a, Bulala, and Auki — all located within 10 km of the earthquake’s epicenter. Widespread power outages were reported throughout the Solomon Islands. Minor structural damage to commercial buildings was reported in Honiara but there have been no reports of casualties due to the earthquake. A 6.0 magnitude quake occurred nearly 30 minutes after the initial tremor, accompanied by multiple aftershocks.

SOUTH AMERICA

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 0930 local time (1430 UTC) on 21 November 2022, a twin-engine aircraft carrying six passengers and two crew members crashed in the west-central Belen Rosales neighborhood of Medellín. The Piper PA-31 aircraft — which took off from Olaya Herrera Airport (SKMD/EOH) — was bound for the western coastal municipality of Pizarro, located in Chocó department, when the crew reported an engine failure. The aircraft was attempting to return to the airport at the time of the crash. All eight occupants of the aircraft were killed in the crash but there were no reports of injuries or deaths on the ground. The mayor of Medellín stated that seven homes were destroyed due to the crash and at least six other buildings sustained damage. Colombian civil aviation officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Armenia (Security threat level – 4): On 22 November 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Local media outlets indicate that roads will be closed, and demonstrations are possible throughout Yerevan tomorrow, November 23, 2022. Road closures could significantly delay movement in the downtown area. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, and participants could change direction at any moment, creating new traffic and movement blockages. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.”