AMERICAS

Belize (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0600 local time (1200 UTC) on 17 September 2021, a nationwide power outage occurred in Belize. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has stated that technicians are currently working to restore power as soon as possible. While the cause of the blackout is unknown, reports indicate that electrical maintenance was underway near the Belize-Mexico border south of the Mexican cities of Bacalar and Chetumal.

Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): On 17 September 2021, an 0030 to 0500 local time (0330 to 0800 UTC) island-wide nightly curfew went into effect in Bermuda due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases. Exemptions are in place for employees working in essential services. Additional restrictions limit large gatherings to a maximum of 20 attendees. Restaurants and bars can host a maximum of 10 patrons at one table, but must space tables at least 2 m (6 ft) apart.

Canada / United States (Security threat levels – 2 / 2): At approximately 0645 Eastern Daylight Time (1045 UTC) on 17 September 2021, United Airlines enacted a brief ground stop for all of its flights in Canada and the U.S. due to a computer system outage. The outage prevented passengers from boarding flights at select airports and caused disruptions to the airline’s website and mobile phone application. At least five United Airlines flights were reportedly canceled and 27 more experienced delays. The ground stop lasted for about 45 minutes. The cause of the system outage is unknown.

United States (Security threat level – 2): A rally to show support for individuals arrested for their involvement in the 6 January riot at the U.S. Capitol is anticipated to occur in Washington, D.C., on 18 September 2021. The non-profit group Look Ahead America — led by a supporter of former President Donald Trump — is organizing the self-dubbed “Justice for J6” rally, which is scheduled to begin at 1200 local time (1600 UTC) in the Union Square area on the western side of the Capitol. Reports suggest that up to 700 people could attend the rally, including individuals associated with the far-right groups that stormed the Capitol on 6 January. Meanwhile, a counterdemonstration is expected to begin at the same time at Freedom Plaza, located about 1 mi (2 km) from the rally site. Security measures near the Capitol have been heightened ahead of the planned rally, as the Department of Homeland Security has warned of potential violence from individuals expected to gather in support of, or in opposition to, the rally. Perimeter fencing is being erected in and around the Capitol and the Supreme Court as a precaution, and the Capitol Police force has asked the Department of Defense to put the D.C. National Guard Quick Reaction Force on standby near the Capitol. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police Department has announced that streets near the Capitol will be entirely shut down and vehicle parking near the White House perimeter will be prohibited throughout the day; these restrictions will be in effect from 0500 to 2359 local time on 18 September.

ASIA

Japan (Security threat level – 1): During the evening of 17 September 2021, Tropical Storm Chanthu made landfall near Fukutsu city in Fukuoka prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that heavy rainfall and landslides are possible in areas affected by the storm. The current JMA forecast estimates rainfall totals of up to 300 mm (12 in) in the Shikoku region, 250 mm in the Tokai region — which includes the city of Nagoya — and 200 mm in areas around Tokyo and Osaka through the evening of 18 September. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to continue east across the Shikoku region through 17 September. The storm is then expected to cross Osaka, Nara and Mie prefectures and the Izu Peninsula while weakening and enter the Pacific Ocean by 19 September.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 16 September 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Ecuador, which reads in part as follows: “The central government´s “red, amber, green” alert system is no longer in force. However, it will be used as an internal management tool for epidemiological monitoring.

“Each municipal government is responsible for determining its own specific restrictions including, but not limited to, maximum capacity for public transport, the circulation of private vehicles against licence plate numbers, health prevention protocols for all businesses and industries and alcohol sale and consumption.”