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October 7, 2021
7-October-2021

AMERICAS

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 6 October 2021, the mayor of Los Angeles, California, ratified an ordinance that will require individuals over the age of 12 to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to access most indoor establishments, including restaurants, shopping malls, personal care businesses and entertainment venues. The mandate will go into effect on 4 November, but officials will not begin enforcement until 29 November. People with religious or medical exemptions for the vaccine will be required to show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours. A previously issued decree to show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test went into effect on 7 October for individuals attending large-scale sporting events or musical concerts with more than 10,000 attendees.

ASIA

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0300 local time (2200 UTC) on 7 October 2021, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck approximately 14 km (9 mi) north-northeast of Harnai — a town located approximately 90 km (55 mi) east of Quetta — at a depth of 20.8 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake caused moderate to strong shaking in Harnai and weak to light shaking in Quetta. Preliminary reports indicate that several buildings and homes in Harnai collapsed and an unknown number of people were trapped underneath the rubble. A local government spokesperson stated that at least 20 people were killed, and about 300 others suffered minor to severe injuries.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 7 October 2021, the New South Wales (NSW) premier announced that beginning 11 October, coronavirus-related restrictions in Sydney and the state of NSW will be relaxed for local residents. Under the new guidelines, fully vaccinated residents may leave their homes for any reason, including dining and social activities. Restaurants, gyms and cinemas will be allowed to reopen with social distancing guidelines. Authorities stated that NSW will use a vaccination-passport system to ensure unvaccinated people abide by stay-at-home orders until 1 December. The government’s coronavirus-related restrictions have spurred nationwide protests in recent weeks, with some turning violent.

EUROPE

Spain (Security threat level – 3): On 7 October 2021, a spokesperson for the Spanish air traffic operator Aena announced the closure of La Palma Airport (GCLA/SPC) — located on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands — due to significant ash accumulation from the Cumbre Vieja volcano — located approximately (10 km) 6 mi west of the airport. Officials stated that all other airports in the Canary Islands are currently operable. La Palma Airport also closed on 25 September due to ash accumulation, reopening on 27 September with limited flights. Airport officials have yet to state when the airport will resume flights. Travelers should check directly with their airlines regarding specific flight information.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Saudi Arabia (Security threat level – 3): On the night of 6 October 2021, Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted an explosives-laden drone targeting Abha International Airport (OEAB/AHB), located approximately 100 km (60 mi) north of the country’s border with Yemen. Wreckage from the intercepted drone fell on the airport premises and damaged glass windows. Flight operations at the facility were briefly halted due to the incident. At least four workers suffered minor injuries. Yemen-based Houthi rebels frequently launch armed drones toward the airport; most recently, on 31 August shrapnel stemming from an intercepted drone wounded eight people and damaged a commercial aircraft at the facility.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): On 6 October 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Grenada to include the following: “The State of Emergency has been extended to November 2021. Local regulations are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. These were amended on 5 October and will be in effect until 19 October. They include a reduced curfew restricting freedom of movement from 7pm to 4am, restriction of beach and river use to the period of 4am to 4pm daily and discontinuation of the no-movement weekends. Day-care centres, gyms, stores, barber-shops and hair-salons to resume services in line with the health and safety protocols. Restaurants to allow in-dining services to fully vaccinated customers only. Some sectors including the beauty, food service, accommodation, fitness, child-care and elderly care sectors to enforce mandatory vaccinations for employees.”

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 6 October 2021, the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Announced gathering points for the planned demonstration include, but are not limited to, areas near the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi.

“Event: The demonstration is expected to take place on October 8 beginning at 3:00 p.m. The groups intend to protest the United States government. Recent protests have encountered a strong police/security force presence. Due to the demonstration, public access to the U.S. Consulate General Karachi may be reduced or restricted.”

The full text of the alert is available here.