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October 5, 2021
5-October-2021

AMERICAS

Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): On 4 October 2021, authorities announced a tightening of the nationwide coronavirus-related nightly curfew – which will now be in effect from 2100 to 0400 local time (0300 to 1000 UTC) — due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. The curfew was originally in place from 0030 to 0500 local time. Additionally, food establishments, such as restaurants and diners, may only serve vaccinated patrons, with reservations not exceeding 50% of seating capacity for indoor areas or 75% of seating capacity for outdoor areas. Restrictions remain in place that prohibit unvaccinated individuals from entering public buildings.

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On 4 October 2021, thousands of anti-government coca leaf farmers clashed with dozens of riot police officers at the Adepcoca market — Bolivia’s main legal coca market — in the capital La Paz, before storming and taking control of the market. Protesters stormed the market amid an ongoing dispute between rival factions of coca farmers in the Adepcoca union, with divisions existing among those who support or oppose President Luis Arce’s government as well as over control of the market. Riot police officers stationed in front of the market deployed tear gas, while protesters threw stones, debris and fireworks, forcing officers to retreat from the area. At least two protesters and two police officers were injured in the clashes.

EUROPE

Spain (Security threat level – 3): As of approximately 1000 UTC on 5 October 2021, the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palam continues to emit lava flows and ash plumes rising up to 3 km (1.8 mi) and drifting southwest — amid a government warning that the eruption may intensify. The lava flows, which reach a maximum width of 1,250 m (4,100 ft) and a height of up to 50 meters, have covered more than 400 hectares (988 acres) of land, including approximately 3 km (19 mi) of roads, and have destroyed more than 1,000 buildings. Lava flows that entered the Atlantic Ocean have produced a peninsula, adding approximately 40 hectares to the island. The Volcano Institute of the Canary Islands estimates the volcano has emitted approximately 250,000 tons of sulfur dioxide since it volcano initially erupted on 19 September.

Authorities with the Spanish Department of National Security warn that the volcanic eruption may intensify. During the past 24 hours, scientists have detected an increase in the number and magnitude of earthquakes at a depth of 10-15 kilometers under the central area of the volcano and some 35 kilometers under the northeast flank. Additionally, the Volcano Institute reports that the volcano on 5 October was producing pyroclastic bombs — a mixture of hot rock fragments and gases that move at high speed — reaching a distance of 1 kilometer or more from the volcano’s crater.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Oman (Security threat level – 2): As of 5 October 2021, recovery efforts are underway in Oman following the passage of Cyclone Shaheen during 3-4 October. Emergency crews are working to clear debris from roadways and to restore electricity in the worst-affected North al-Batinah governorate. The latest reports suggest that power has been fully restored in the coastal city of Barka and efforts to restore power elsewhere in the region are ongoing. The cyclone killed at least 11 people and forced more than 5,000 others to take refuge in emergency shelters.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

China (Security threat level – 3): On 5 October 2021, the U.S. Consulate General for Hong Kong and Macau issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “On October 4, 2021, the government of Macau (GOM) declared a new state of immediate pandemic prevention and reinstated their community-wide COVID-19 Testing Program. Local authorities have mandated that all members of the public are required to obtain a nucleic acid COVID-19 test between 12:00 on October 4, 2021 and 21:00 on October 7, 2021. According to the GOM, there are 41 testing stations set up around Macau operating 24 hours a day. Testing at these locations is free of charge, but please keep in mind that most require an appointment. During previous testing programs, there were reports that even those with appointments had to wait hours for their test to be completed. To avoid an overly long wait, please check Macau’s booking system for approximate wait times for each facility. Information on testing sites and booking can be found on Macau’s government webpage or in their prepared infographic.

“The GOM also announced that many regular services in Macau are extending the suspensions that began during the September lockdown. Education institutions, set to resume classes on October 3, 2021, will now be suspended until further notice. The Social Welfare Bureau will continue to suspend the operation of subsidized nursery facilities, non-residential and non-emergency social facilities. To learn more about closures or cancellations of Macau services, please check on the Macau government’s website.

“If you are planning to depart Macau, please be aware that all outbound travelers must test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure. As of September 25, 2021, Hong Kong has suspended the quarantine exemption for people entering from Macau under the Return2hk or Come2hk Scheme. The Zhuhai – Macau quarantine-free travel arrangement set to go into effect on October 4 has been put on hold. ”

New Zealand (Security threat level – 1): On 5 October 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Auckland issued a Health Alert regarding coronavirus-related restrictions, which reads in part as follows: “The Government of New Zealand has announced that Auckland and Waikato will remain at COVID Alert Level 3 , however it will ease restrictions in a phased approach. All other areas south of Auckland and the Northland in New Zealand will remain at COVID Alert Level 2. Every Monday, cabinet will review the alert settings to determine whether Auckland can move into the next step. The next review will take place on Monday, October 11.

3-Step Plan for Auckland:

  • Step 1: Beginning at 2359 on Tuesday, October 5 there will be an easing of restrictions for outdoor gatherings. Picnics and gatherings between two households will be permitted outside-only with no more than 10 people present. Early childcare centers may open. Residents in Auckland will be allowed to participate in outdoor recreational activities, such as beach visits, sailing, and hunting.
  • Step 2: Retail stores and public facilities (zoos, libraries) will open with public health measures in place, including mask wearing and limits on entry numbers.
  • Step 3: Hospitality services, restaurants, and hair salons may reopen.

“Note: Schools in Auckland are scheduled to reopen on October 18.”

Oman (Security threat level – 2): On 4 October 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Oman, which reads in part as follows: “Some roads remain closed or are unpassable due to floods or debris as a result of cyclone Shaheen which hit parts of Oman on 3-4 October. You should follow any directives or guidance provided by the Royal Oman Police.”