AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 28 July 2020, President Iván Duque extended existing nationwide quarantine measures imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 until 30 August. Under the quarantine measures, one individual per household may leave a residence at a time for the purpose of buying essential goods, walking a pet, obtaining emergency or other necessary medical services, or visiting a bank. Riding on public buses or in a licensed taxi is permissible for an approved purpose. Face masks are mandatory on public transportation and in other locations where social distancing is not possible. Duque also warned that additional restrictions may be imposed on areas with COVID-19 outbreaks.

Puerto Rico / Bahamas / U.S. Virgin Islands (Security threat levels – 2 / 2 / 1): As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 29 July 2020, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine was located approximately 90 km (55 mi) west-southwest of the island of Dominica and nearly 560 km southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, the storm was generating maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph), with higher gusts, and was moving in a west-northwesterly direction at 23 mph. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm later in the day.

On its current forecast track, the storm will pass through the southern Leeward Islands on the morning of 29 July before passing near or over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the evening. Affected areas are forecast to receive 3 to 6 inches (75-150 mm) of rain. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for islands in the area, including Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the eastern and northern coasts of the Dominican Republic, St. Kitts and Nevis, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for the western coast of the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos Islands, and southeastern Bahamas.

AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand / Philippines (Security threat levels – 1 / 4): On 28 July 2020, officials with Air New Zealand — the national carrier of New Zealand — announced that new bookings to Australia are suspended until 28 August. The announcement is an expansion on the two-week suspension of flights announced on 27 July. Airline officials stated that the suspension is in response to coronavirus-related restrictions imposed by the Australian government.

In the Philippines, the trade secretary announced on 28 July that gyms, internet cafes and review centers will be allowed to reopen in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) — which includes the Metro Manila Area — as of 1 August. These businesses must operate at 30% capacity. Review centers may only have 10 seats per room. Aesthetic services, pet grooming shops and personal grooming businesses will also be allowed to reopen

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 28 July 2020, the governor of Karbala governorate announced that a 24-hour curfew commences on 30 July and will remain in place until at least 9 August. Authorities have closed all entrances and exits to the province until further notice, due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and fatalities.

Israel (Security threat level – 3): According to media reports on 28 July 2020, Israeli intelligence officials assess that the Lebanese militant group Hizballah is planning imminent attacks on military installations in Israel — possibly within 48 hours — which coincides with the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’av. The Israeli military has deployed additional forces to the northern border as well as increased intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activity in southern Lebanon, suggesting that any attack may target Israeli forces near the Blue Line — the de facto border with Lebanon.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bahamas (Security threat level – 2): On 29 July 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for the Bahamas, which reads in part as follows: 

“A full lockdown is in effect every weekend until further notice, from Fridays at 10pm through Mondays at 5am. During weekend lockdowns, you may only leave your residence for medical emergencies or to visit grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations (these merchants may operate from 7am to 6pm). You must remain within the confines of your home/yard or lodging.” 

Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 29 July 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Amman issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows:

"On July 26, 2020, the Government of Jordan announced that regular commercial international flights from certain “green” countries may resume as of August 5, 2020, provided passengers meet required conditions. Flights from these countries, which are listed below, will be allowed to land at Jordanian airports. Passengers from these countries are permitted to enter Jordan, and they do not need to quarantine provided they have resided in those countries for the past 14 days.

"Green Countries (as of July 26): Austria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Thailand

"The Government of Jordan will update the Green Country list every 14 days, with adjustments possible based on the current epidemiological situation. Additionally, a country appearing on the Green List does not automatically indicate that flights are available, as this depends on the local airlines’ commercial demand for such flights. Please contact the airlines directly to inquire about their schedules.

"Passengers are required to complete an electronic application on www.visitjordan.gov.jo prior to travel and receive an acceptance QR code minimum 24 hours before the flight. The website is expected to be active soon."

To read the full text of the alert, please click here.
Lesser Antilles (Security threat level – 1): On 29 July 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Aruba, which reads in part as follows: 

“A negative COVID-19 test result must be provided. The test must have been carried out within 72 hours of arrival in Aruba or on arrival in Aruba (which requires a mandatory 24 hour quarantine). A health screening and temperature check will be carried out on arrival. These are conditions of entry.” 

Mauritania (Security threat level – 4): On 29 July 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows:

"Event: As of 29 July 2020, the Mauritanian Ministry of Health has confirmed 6,249 cases of COVID-19 in Mauritania.

"IMPORTANT: On 02 August 2020, several airlines are scheduled to begin flying from Nouakchott to various airports in the United States.

"At this time, only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (i.e. green card holders) may transit through Paris to the United States.

"Please send an email to consularnkc@state.gov if you have additional questions about returning to the United States.

"The government of Mauritania has closed all land borders. The only exception is for commercial merchandise. Private U.S. citizens should not try to cross any land border at this time."

To read the full text of the warning, please click here .