Americas: As of 1 June 2020, governments in the Americas continue to implement and enforce restrictive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Significant developments in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras and Jamaica are outlined below.
In Bolivia, authorities on 29 May extended the nationwide quarantine until 30 June. All borders remain closed and a nighttime curfew from 1800 to 0500 local time (2200 to 0900 UTC) remains in effect. Vehicles are permitted to operate during the day Monday through Friday; people may only travel on foot or bicycle during Saturdays and Sundays. International flights remain suspended with the exception of evacuation and cargo aircraft. Commercial activities in the country may resume under the discretion of departmental and municipal governments; however, all residents are required to wear face masks when in public.
In Colombia, authorities on 30 May implemented new measures in the three worst-affected cities: Bogotá, Cali and Cartagena. Hot spots and key commercial areas within the three cities are expected to be closely monitored and screened to reduce community-based transmission. In addition, officials in the affected cities are also expected to maintain more stringent movement regulations and continue to only allow essential businesses to operate. While the nationwide lockdown remains in effect until 1 July, most locations in the country have begun easing some restrictions. Currently, Bogotá maintains the highest number of COVID-19 infections in the country with approximately 9,637 cases, 2,400 of which are in the Kennedy district.
In Costa Rica, authorities on 29 May announced an extension to the current air, land and sea border closures until 30 June. Exemptions remain in place for diplomatic, humanitarian and medical personnel. Vehicular restrictions — which are applied based on the ending digit of license plate numbers — remain in place during daily operating hours from 0500 to 2200 local time on weekdays and from 0500 to 1900 local time on weekends until 20 June. However, hotels, restaurants, museums, gyms and swim schools may reopen at 50% capacity as of 1 June.
In Honduras, the government on 31 May extended the ongoing 24-hour curfew until 1500 local time (2100 UTC) on 7 June. During the curfew, residents may leave their homes on certain days based on the last digit of their ID or passport number. Meanwhile, essential businesses — such as pharmacies, grocery stores and banks — may open from 0900 to 1700 local time This is the eighth time since 16 March that officials have extended the nationwide curfew.
In Jamaica, authorities on 31 May announced that the government will reopen all airports and seaports to international travelers as of 15 June. Travelers from high-risk countries must undergo new entry protocols, including a health screening and temperature check. Tourists who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 are subject to a 14-day quarantine. Businesses that reopen must implement government-mandated sanitary protocols and be certified by the Tourism Product Development Company for compliance. Repatriating Jamaicans must also quarantine for 14 days unless they arrive from a country the government deems low risk.
El Salvador / Guatemala / Honduras / Mexico (Security threat levels – 4 / 4 / 4 / 4): On 31 May 2020, Tropical Storm Amanda made landfall on the western coast of Central America and caused significant damage in El Salvador and Guatemala. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region and caused widespread flooding and power outages. In El Salvador, at least 14 people were killed after severe flooding occurred throughout several regions, including the capital San Salvador. At least 200 homes were destroyed and approximately 4,200 people were evacuated to government-operated shelters. President Nayib Bukele declared a 15-day state of emergency to assess the damage and launch recovery and relief efforts. Meanwhile, Guatemala faced similar disruptions, as at least five landslides and minor flooding occurred in the country.
As of 1200 UTC on 1 June, the remnants of Tropical Storm Amanda were located over the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico; the storm has an 80% likelihood of reforming as a new tropical depression in the Bay of Campeche within the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center. The weather system is expected to move in a northwestward direction over the southeastern portion of the Bay of Campeche later on 1 June, then drift west or west-southwest during the middle of the week. More information regarding the storm’s trajectory will become known if the disturbance redefines itself in the coming days. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in El Salvador, southern Guatemala, western Honduras and the Mexican states of Tabasco and Veracruz during 2-7 June.
United States (Security threat level – 2): Overnight on 31 May-1 June 2020, violent protests over the 25 May police killing of an African American man in in the northern U.S. city of Minneapolis, Minnesota continued across the country for a third consecutive night. Although most daytime protests have been largely peaceful, violence has occurred nightly. In response, officials have imposed nighttime curfews in nearly 40 cities and deployed approximately 5,000 National Guard personnel across 15 states and in the national capital, Washington, D.C. In Arizona, a statewide nightly curfew during 2000-0500 local time is in effect until 8 June, while a curfew during 2100-0600 local time is in effect in the city of Chicago. Additional major cities are likely to announce nighttime curfews later on 1 June. In California, state government offices located in city center areas closed on 1 June as a precaution.
In Washington, D.C., hundreds of protesters clashed with police officers near the White House despite a declared curfew on the night of 31 May. Police officers fired several rounds of tear gas at approximately 1,000 protesters in Lafayette Square, which is adjacent to the White House. Protesters set fire to multiple buildings in the area, including St. John’s Episcopal Church. Approximately 1,700 National Guard personnel were deployed in the capital to assist police officers in quelling violent activities. Meanwhile, on the night of 29 May the White House was briefly placed under lockdown and Secret Service agents reportedly escorted President Donald Trump to a bunker in the presidential residence after violence escalated on Pennsylvania Avenue as protesters clashed with security personnel. Dozens of protesters and Secret Service agents were injured in the confrontations that occurred between 29 May and 1 June.
In Louisville, Kentucky, security personnel shot and killed a man in the parking lot of a retail store in the Russell neighborhood while attempting to clear a large crowd of demonstrators at approximately 0015 local time on 1 June. Louisville’s police chief stated that an unknown individual fired a shot at city police officers and Kentucky National Guard troops at the scene, prompting officers to return fire. The situation remains tense in Louisville, where a police officer shot and killed an African American woman at her residence in early March. During a protest on the night of 28 March, at least seven people in the downtown area suffered gunshot wounds; however, officials do not know who perpetrated the shooting.
In Minneapolis — where the protests initially intensified on 26 May — significant looting, vandalism and unrest continued as individuals set fire to buildings and vehicles in the city. Chaos further escalated on the evening of 31 May, when a truck drove toward a crowd of thousands of protesters who were blocking the I-35 highway. The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital; there were no reports of other injuries. All major highways in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan region were shut down during the curfew from 2000 to 0600 local time. In Atlanta, the state capital of Georgia, tensions escalated after hundreds of protesters gathered at the headquarters of news network CNN near Centennial Olympic Park in the evening hours of 29 May. Protesters set fire to multiple police vehicles and vandalized nearby buildings, including the CNN building and other businesses. In an effort to prevent further violence, the state governor has imposed a state of emergency until 7 June.
In New York City, notable protests took place in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The most significant clashes occurred outside of the Barclays Center in the Prospect Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, where police officers used baton charges to forcefully disperse protesters on the night of 29 May. In addition, at least two police vehicles drove through a crowd of protesters during a riot; there were no reports of significant injuries. Protests spread to Union Square, where multiple police vehicles were set on fire. City officials briefly shut down the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges after unrest occurred in the surrounding areas.
Elsewhere in the country, violence broke out in several major cities and state capitals, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle, where buildings and vehicles were set ablaze, businesses and public properties were looted or damaged. Police officers deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray during confrontations with protesters. Dozens of protesters and police officers have been injured during the violence, and authorities have reportedly arrested at least 4,400 people at gatherings across the country since protests initially broke out in Minneapolis.
Azerbaijan / China / India / Pakistan (Security threat levels – 3 / 3 / 3 / 5): On 30 May 2020, authorities in Azerbaijan announced that limited domestic flights will resume on 8 June; international flights remain suspended until further notice in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Domestic flights will resume with reduced passenger capacity and limited offerings at major airports, including at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (UBBB/GYD).
In China, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has authorized domestic and foreign chartered aircraft to operate to a limited number of airports in mainland China beginning on 1 June. Under the new measures, travelers from a specified list of countries will be granted entry for essential business or “green channel” travel only; these countries include France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the U.K. All passenger aircraft attempting to enter mainland China must receive prior approval. In addition, aviation authorities stated that these new measures will allow the maximum number of weekly flights to gradually increase to 407 from 134 flights per week. Mainland carriers will be allowed to operate one aircraft per week to any country, and foreign airlines will be permitted to operate one aircraft per week to China. Additional information regarding which airports and airlines have been permitted to resume operations is unavailable at this time.
In India, authorities issued guidance outlining a phased easing of lockdown restrictions outside of specific Containment Zones from 1 June until 30 June. Nationwide movement restrictions have been eased and inter- and intrastate travel will be permitted to resume without restrictions on 1 June. As of 8 June, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship and "all other activities that were prohibited earlier” will be permitted to reopen. The resumption of international commercial flights and the reopening of academic institutions, theaters, recreational facilities and other public gathering places will be permitted at an unspecified date in the coming weeks, pending review of local conditions. However, the nationwide nightly curfew from 2100 to 0500 local time (1530 to 2330 UTC) remains in effect. Furthermore, full lockdown measures remain in place in various Containment Zones with high numbers of COVID-19 infections until at least 30 June. District authorities will demarcate these zones in consultation with government health officials. Strict movement restrictions and nonessential business closures remain in place in these areas. The full text of the guidance is available here .
In Pakistan, health officials mandated that all residents must wear face masks while out in public, effective 31 May and until further notice. Individuals are required to adhere to the order, particularly when using public transportation or visiting mosques, bazaars or shops. Officials also recommended that individuals wear face masks if residing in a home with a large number of people.
Europe: As of 1 June 2020, governments across Europe continue to ease restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Concurrently, such restrictions are being extended in countries with an increasing rate of COVID-19 infections. Developments in Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, North Macedonia, Norway and Portugal are outlined below.
Croatia reopened its borders to at least 10 European countries on 28 May amid the decreasing number of daily reported COVID-19 cases in Croatia. Nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia are now allowed to enter Croatia. Travelers are no longer required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival; however, officials have warned that all travelers and residents must continue to adhere to public hygiene and social distancing measures. Those who fail to comply may face fines or criminal charges.
In Cyprus, officials announced on 31 May that international travel to the island will be allowed to gradually resume in two stages for a select number of European countries. During the first stage — expected to begin on 9 June — travelers from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania will be granted entry. Subsequently, on 20 June the second stage will begin and travelers from Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Romania and Switzerland will be permitted to enter. Officials noted that additional unspecified countries may be added to the list in the near future. All inbound passengers are subject to temperature checks upon arrival and must provide a valid medical certificate indicating a negative test result for COVID-19.
In Malta, on 31 May Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that Malta International Airport (LMML/MLA) will resume operating international commercial flights as of 1 July. All international passenger flights into and out of the country are currently suspended. Commercial cargo, humanitarian and repatriation flights operated by Air Malta as part of a “lifeline schedule” program remain exempt from restrictions. Air Malta has operated repatriation flights for foreign nationals stranded in Malta since 23 March, and currently operates to select European cities, including Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt. Flight options are available for review and booking from the airline here .
In North Macedonia, President Stevo Pendarovski extended the nationwide state of emergency until 13 June following a recent increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. Preventive measures — including a ban on all inter-provincial travel and the entry of foreign nationals — remain in place until the end of the state of emergency. Individuals must continue to wear face masks in public and maintain a physical distance of 2 m (6 ft).
In Norway, Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced that a bilateral agreement with Denmark will allow tourists to travel between the two countries as of 15 June. However, border crossings remain closed with Sweden — where the number of COVID-19 infections is higher. Norwegians traveling to Denmark are barred from staying overnight in Copenhagen. The prime minister stated that additional details regarding travel will be released at a later date. Additionally, as of 1 June business travelers are permitted to enter Norway from the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and their associated territories.
Portugal entered the third and final phase of the government’s plan to reopen businesses and loosen restrictions on 1 June. During this time, all restaurants and stores may reopen except for businesses in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo regions — which are scheduled to reopen on 4 June. There are no limitations on occupancy set on restaurants, although individuals must maintain a distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) from one another. Furthermore, all cinemas, theaters and beaches may also resume operations in accordance with specific guidelines defined by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Lisbon and Vale do Tejo continue to follow separate guidelines due to the higher numbers of infections.
In Romania officials lifted some domestic and international travel restrictions on 1 June. International road and rail travel into the country is now permitted, and residents may resume intercity domestic travel. Outdoor events may have up to 500 attendees and non-contact sporting events may resume without an audience. Outdoor cafes and restaurants may reopen with a maximum of four people per table.
Egypt / Iraq (Security threat levels – 4 / 5): On 31 May 2020, Egyptian authorities adjusted the existing nationwide nightly curfew, reducing it by one hour, now scheduled from 2000 to 0500 local time (1800 to 0300 UTC). Government services, including civil administration processes, immigration and nationality documentation and passport services, resumed on 1 June. The wearing of face masks is mandatory in all public spaces, including government offices, marketplaces and on public transportation. Violators may face a fine of up to 4,000 Egyptian pounds (250 U.S. dollars). Additional restrictions on businesses and movement remain in place pending review in mid-June.
Meanwhile in Iraq, on 30 May authorities extended the comprehensive 24-hour nationwide curfew until at least 6 June and the suspension of international commercial flights into and out of the country until at least 7 June. The curfew was first imposed on 21 May to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday and had been set to expire on 31 May. Under the order, residents are required to stay in their homes except to perform essential activities such as to procure necessities or seek medical care. Nonessential businesses remain closed, and no more than five people are permitted inside essential shops at a time. Individuals must wear face masks in public. In addition, movement between governorates remain restricted and private vehicles may not operate with more than 50% capacity. Additional security forces will be deployed throughout the country to enforce the restrictions.
Sub-Saharan Africa: As of 1 June 2020, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa surpassed 147,000 as governments continue to implement restrictions in an effort to prevent further spread of the virus. The most recent notable developments in Cabo Verde, Chad, Mauritius, Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa and Senegal are outlined below.
In Cabo Verde, inter-island maritime travel resumed on 1 June with the exception of travel to, from, or connecting through Santiago Island. Maritime travel to the island and international flights to the island’s Nelson Mandela International Airport (GVNP/RAI) may resume on 30 June. While restrictions on restaurants throughout the island have been annulled as of 1 June, cultural and sporting events remain banned until 31 October.
In Chad, on 31 May the government extended the suspension of all international commercial flights into and out of the country until at least 15 June; the ban had been set to expire on 31 May. Commercial cargo and humanitarian aircraft remain exempt from the restriction.
In Mauritius, authorities on 31 May lifted additional restrictions, including the nationwide nightly curfew. Markets, restaurants and places of worship have resumed normal operations with social distancing and other health measures in place. Residents are permitted to leave their homes, although they must wear face masks in public and nonessential activities are restricted to a staggered schedule based on the first letter of residents’ surnames. The country’s borders remain closed until further notice.
In Namibia, on 31 May officials closed Walvis Bay International Airport (FYWB/WVB) for at least seven days after two local residents tested positive for COVID-19. The airport is expected to reopen on 8 June, when the town enters Stage 2 of the country’s phased reopening plan. Other airports across Namibia continue to serve domestic flights and handle emergency evacuations. Elsewhere in Namibia, Stage 3 of the reopening plan began on 1 June, allowing in-person classes and non-contact sports to resume and restaurant dining rooms to reopen.
In the Republic of Congo, authorities extended the nationwide state of emergency and nightly curfew from 2000 to 0500 local time (1700 to 0200 UTC) until at least 20 June. Travel between the cities of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire — as well as between these cities and rest of the country — remains prohibited except for essential reasons. However, public transportation in the aforementioned two cities has resumed. The country’s borders remain closed until further notice.
In Rwanda, on 31 May Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente declared that travel between provinces and to and from the capital Kigali remains prohibited until further notice. Such travel was previously scheduled to resume on 1 June. Additional measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 are expected to be announced on 2 June.
In South Africa, officials issued new guidelines to gradually resume domestic flights beginning on 1 June. During the first phase, a limited number of aircraft will be allowed to operate daily and officials must authorize all travel. Flights are allowed to operate between four airports: Johannesburg’s Lanseria International Airport (FALA/HLA) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR/JNB), Cape Town International Airport (FACT/CPT) and Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (FALE/DUR). Commercial flights will be permitted to resume to other smaller airports during the second and third phases of the plan. Aviation officials noted that temperature screenings will take place at the terminal buildings and all passengers are required to wear face masks inside the airport and on board the aircraft. International travel remains suspended until further notice.
In Senegal, President Macky Sall extended the countrywide state of emergency through at least 30 June. A nightly curfew remains in place from 2100 to 0500 local time/UTC, and individuals are required to wear face masks in public and while in private vehicles. All travel between regions is restricted and commercial flights are suspended until further notice.
Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 1 June 2020, the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Town Hall and Hyde Park, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
“Event: Demonstrations may take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, beginning at 5 pm. The groups intend to protest the death in the U.S. of George Floyd. Police expect counter-protestors.
“The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney will close early on June 2, 2020.”
Estonia (Security threat level – 2): On 29 May 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows:
“On June 1, the Government of Estonia will reopen borders to passengers arriving from other countries of the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom. Travelers must be symptom free and must have been present in one of the approved countries for the previous 14 days. Travelers arriving from the countries where the current COVID-19 infection rate is below 15 per 100,000 individuals over the previous 14 days will be able to enter without quarantine.
“As it stands, quarantine-free entry will apply to travelers from Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Travelers from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Malta, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark will have to quarantine on arrival. These lists of countries will be reevaluated every week.
“Border controls will continue to apply to travelers coming from the United States who may be transiting other European countries. All of these travelers will be subject to quarantine and will only be admitted into Estonia if they are in one of the excepted categories allowing them entry into Estonia, including immediate relatives of an Estonian citizen or resident, for example. For more information on excepted categories please have a look at the Police and Border Guard’s Website , as well as for more information on quarantine requirements . ”
Switzerland (Security threat level – 2): On 29 May 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Switzerland, which reads in part as follows: “The Swiss Government has announced that it intends to relax border restrictions from 15 June, by lifting travel restrictions between Switzerland, Germany, Austria and France.”
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