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Worldview Security Update – June 2, 2020
2-Jun-20

AMERICAS

United States (Security threat level – 2): Overnight on 1-2 June 2020, violent protests continued across major U.S. cities in response to the 25 May police killing of an African American man in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In Washington D.C., the national capital, police officers clashed with protesters in the Chinatown district, where the officers blockaded streets and arrested approximately 100 demonstrators. Earlier in the evening, Secret Service agents accompanied by National Guard troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters gathered in Lafayette Park, located adjacent to the While House, shortly before the nighttime citywide curfew went into effect at 1900 local time (2300 UTC) and as President Donald Trump addressed the country regarding the ongoing protests.

In New York City, individuals damaged storefront windows near Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan as the protests occurred in the city. Additionally, a number of luxury stores in the Soho neighborhood were looted, prompting city officials to impose curfew as of 2000 local time; the curfew was initially set to begin at 2300 local time. Meanwhile in the city of Buffalo, a motorist drove a vehicle into a group of police officers and injured two of them.

In Chicago, demonstrators clashed with police officers on Broadway Street shortly after the curfew went into effect at 1900 local time. Protesters vandalized windows of several nearby stores. Police officers arrested at least one person and one protester suffered injuries in the scuffle. Additional confrontations between protesters and police officers occurred in several other major urban centers across the country. Authorities reportedly arrested approximately 1,200 individuals nationwide during the past 24 hours in relation to the ongoing protests.

ASIA

China / Nepal (Security threat levels – 3 / 3): On 2 June 2020, authorities in Hong Kong extended public health measures and travel restrictions aimed at preventing further spread of COVID-19. Officials extended the existing entry restrictions on travelers arriving from Macao, Taiwan and mainland China through 7 July, and those arriving from all other countries through 18 September. All inbound travelers are subject to mandatory COVID-19 screening and 14-day quarantine; passengers who display symptoms or have a travel history from countries with a high rate of COVID-19 transmission must observe quarantine in a government-designated facility. As of 1 June, all passengers transiting Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH/HKG) must wear face masks in all areas of the airport. Additionally, officials extended the ban on all public gatherings of more than eight people through at least 18 June.

In Nepal, government officials have extended the nationwide lockdown through 15 June. Under the order, residents may only leave their homes for essential activities, such as to procure essential goods or to seek medical care. All domestic and international flights remain suspended until at least 30 June. The extension preceded health officials’ announcement on 2 June that Nepal had recorded 288 new cases of COVID-19, the country’s highest number of new cases recorded thus far in a single day.

India (Security threat level – 3): As of 1730 local time (1200 UTC) on 2 June 2020, Cyclone Nisarga was located approximately 430 km (270 mi) south-southwest of the city of Mumbai and was tracking northward at a speed of 13 kph (8 mph), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). At that time, the storm was generating maximum sustained winds of 80-90 kph, with gusts of up to 100 kph. According to the IMD, Nisarga is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall near Alibag, located approximately 95 km south of Mumbai, on 3 June. The storm is currently forecast to generate sustained winds of 100-110 kph, with gusts of up to 120 kph. Storm surges of up to 1-2 m (3-6.5 ft) are likely along the coastal areas. The storm is predicted to bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall, particularly in Mumbai, and other nearby areas in Maharashtra state. Officials have issued a red alert for Mumbai and its suburban districts of Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Thane, indicating the possibility of up to 204.5 mm (8 in) of rain, which is likely to cause flooding and inundate roadways in the region. Ahead of Nisarga’s landfall, India’s National Disaster Response Force began evacuating residents from low-lying areas along the coastline of Gujarat and Maharashtra states on 1 June.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 2 June 2020, Sudanese officials extended the 24-hour curfew for Khartoum state — which encompasses the capital Khartoum and the city of Omdurman — through 18 June. Residents are permitted to travel for essential purposes only, such as to buy food or medical supplies, each day during 0600-1500 local time (0400-1300 UTC). A nationwide ban on interstate travel, including the suspension of long-distance public transportation, remains in effect until further notice and all airports are closed until 14 June, with exemptions for cargo and humanitarian aircraft.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Sub-Saharan Africa: On 2 June 2020, authorities in Nigeria began to ease restrictions, reducing the hours of the nationwide nightly curfew to 2200-0400 local time (2100-0300 UTC) from the previous 2000-0600 local time. Additionally, aviation officials indicated that domestic flights could resume as early as 21 June; officials are expected to release additional guidance regarding the resumption of domestic flights in the coming days. All interstate travel remains banned until further notice, and individuals are required to wear face masks while in public.

In São Tomé e Príncipe, the government extended the existing state of emergency through at least 15 June. The nightly curfew from 1830 to 0500 local time/UTC remains in place until then, while businesses, markets and government offices must abide by reduced operating hours. Meanwhile, public transportation may operate at 50% capacity, large gatherings remain restricted and masks are mandatory in all public places. All international and domestic flights remain suspended, except for special humanitarian flights.

In Zimbabwe, military and police officers have set up additional checkpoints in the capital Harare and blocked vehicular traffic on most major roads leading into the central business district (CBD) as of 2 June. Officials clarified that the terms of the indefinite nationwide lockdown — which permits nonessential businesses to operate daily from 0800 to 1630 local time (0600 to 1430 UTC) — have not changed; however, security forces are reportedly denying entry to the CBD to most individuals. Additionally, police officers ordered several businesses in the CBD along Kaguvi and Cameroon streets, near the Gulf Shopping Complex, to close for unspecified reasons.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 2 June 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Colombia, which reads in part as follows: “The use of masks is mandatory when using public transport and in areas with a high concentration of people. Cloth masks are acceptable. Those with respiratory symptoms and at risk groups (including those with pre-existing health conditions and adults over the age of 70) must always use masks in public. Certain regional authorities (e.g. in Bogota) require masks to be worn at all times when outside. Check with your local authority for more information on the specific restrictions in your area.”

Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4) : On 2 June 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which reads in part as follows: “On 1 June 2020, the Government of DRC confirmed cases of Ebola in Mbandaka in Equateur Province. This is in addition to the ongoing outbreak in eastern DRC, which the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 July 2019, following an outbreak of the Ebola virus in eastern DRC. If you are in these areas you should take precautions to minimize your risk of exposure. Further advice is available on the World Health Organization website . " 

Laos (Security threat level – 3): On 1 June 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Laos, which reads in part as follows: 

“Most businesses including restaurants, shops, food markets, gyms/spas, sports facilities, night markets, cinemas , and tourist attractions are able to reopen, provided that COVID preventative measures are in place. These include providing alcohol gel, face masks being worn, maintaining 1 m physical distancing, and checking temperatures.

“Some venues where the 1m social distancing rule cannot be applied, such as karaokes and casinos for entertainment, remain closed.

“Social gatherings of more than 50 people remain prohibited. All travel restrictions between provinces have now been lifted. Public transport including domestic flights and buses have resumed services.” 

Saudi Arabia (Security threat level – 3): On 1 June 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Saudi Arabia, which reads in part as follows: “If you need to travel to the airport during curfew hours, show your boarding pass or booking confirmation at checkpoints. Iqama holders can also request permission via the Tawakkalna app, though this is not essential.

“If you are a British national or resident located in Makkah and cannot secure permissions via the app, you can request an Embassy letter to support your transport to Jeddah airport by emailing KSA.Info@fco.gov.uk .”

Trinidad & Tobago (Security threat level – 3): On 1 June 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago, which reads in part as follows: 

“The Government has announced a phased approach to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. On 01 June the country will move into phase three, whereby retail outlets and some businesses offering professional services will reopen. Restrictions on air travel between Trinidad and Tobago will also be lifted and hotels with outdoor facilities will be allowed to provide some degree of in-house service. Other food establishments and restaurants are providing take away and delivery services only. Beaches remain closed.

“Members of the public are permitted to engage in restricted outdoors activities in groups of no more than 5. Other restrictions, including the ‘stay at home’ order for the non-essential labour force continue to apply to some categories of businesses such as hair salons and spas until 8 June.”