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Worldview Security Update – May 22, 2020
22-May-20

AMERICAS

Bermuda / Puerto Rico (Security threat levels – 1 / 2): On 21 May 2020, authorities in Bermuda lifted several social distancing restrictions as part of the second of a four-phased plan to reopen the country’s economy. Restaurants and bars may reopen with outdoor dining only, and customers may shop at grocery stores and retail businesses on specified days based on the first letter of their last name. In addition, beauty salons and barber shops may open with limited services as long as employees and patrons adhere to social distancing measures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks. Beaches, parks and golf courses remain open. A nightly curfew remains in effect from 2200 to 0600 local time (0100 to 0900 UTC) and L.F. Wade International Airport (TXKF/BDA) remains closed to commercial flights. More information regarding Bermuda’s phased plan to reopen is available here .

In Puerto Rico, Gov. Wanda Vázquez on 21 May announced plans to gradually ease coronavirus-related restrictions beginning on 26 May. Under the new order, beaches and nonessential businesses — such as restaurants, hair salons and retail stores — may reopen. Residents will still be required to wear face masks in public, including inside businesses. In addition, a nightly curfew from 1900 to 0500 local time (2300 to 0900 UTC) will remain in effect until 15 June.

ASIA

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1430 local time (0930 UTC) on 22 May 2020, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK 8303 — an Airbus A320 aircraft — crashed into several homes in Karachi’s Model Colony neighborhood, which is adjacent to Jinnah International Airport (OPKC/KHI), as it was preparing to land. Reports indicate that the aircraft caught fire upon impact and the blaze spread to some of the homes. The flight, which had come from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (OPLA/LHE), was carrying approximately 100 occupants, including passengers and crew, at the time of the crash. According to reports, the pilot contacted air traffic control shortly before attempting to land and stated that he was experiencing technical difficulties. At present, there are no indications on the cause of the crash; however, authorities have launched an investigation into the event. Several homes were destroyed and at least 25 people on the ground suffered injuries. Authorities stated that at least two of the aircraft’s occupants survived the crash. Emergency services and security forces remain at the crash site conducting rescue and recovery operations.

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), as of 0900 UTC on 22 May 2020, Tropical Cyclone Mangga — previously known as 27S — was located approximately 2,450 km (1,525 mi) west-northwest of Learmonth in the state of Western Australia, and was moving southeast at 17 kph (10 mph). At that time, Mangga was generating maximum sustained winds of 65 kph, with gusts up to 83 kph. On its current path, the storm is forecast to make landfall in Western Australia near the Bellefin Prong peninsula by 24 May. Local authorities are predicting rainfall between 50-100 mm (2-4 in) in affected areas, and potential gusts up to 130 kph.

EUROPE

Spain / United Kingdom (Security threat levels – 3 / 3): On 22 May 2020, Spanish officials announced that the province of Madrid, which includes the national capital Madrid, will begin easing coronavirus-related quarantine measures as of 25 May. At that time, outdoor dining and public gatherings of up to 10 individuals will be allowed, and individuals will be free to travel within the province. Additionally, bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on paved areas and terraces, and churches will also reopen. Madrid has been slower to relax lockdown measures due to the severity of the local outbreak of the virus. Other Spanish provinces are on schedule to further ease restrictions during the week of 25 May.

In the U.K., all travelers arriving in the country via air, land or sea – including U.K. nationals – will be required to observe a 14-day self-isolation period upon arrival beginning in early June. According to officials, passengers will be required to fill out a contact information form upon arrival providing the address where they will self-quarantine. Authorities will reportedly conduct random checks to ensure compliance, and violators who fail to self-isolate will face fines of up to 1,000 British pounds (approximately 1,220 U.S. dollars).

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Iraq / Palestinian Territories (Security threat levels – 5 / 4): At 1700 local time (1400 UTC) on 21 May 2020, a 24-hour curfew coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr holiday went into effect across Iraq until 0500 local time on 31 May with no exceptions.

Meanwhile in the West Bank, Palestinian authorities declared a 24-hour curfew from 22-25 May. Residents are ordered to remain home, and driving and public gatherings are banned. Additionally, all businesses except for pharmacies and bakeries are closed.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

El Salvador (Security threat level – 4): On 22 May 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for El Salvador, which reads in part as follows: "There are peaceful protests (banging saucepans, sounding car horns and letting off fireworks) against aspects of the Government’s Covid-19 response every night at 8pm. The El Salvador Constitution prohibits political activities by foreign nationals, and participation in demonstrations may result in detention and / or deportation. You should avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and exercise caution in public areas."

Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On 22 May 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice regarding the extension of the national state of emergency, which reads in part as follows:

“On 19 March the Haitian President announced a national state of emergency and detailed measures aimed at tackling the spread of the coronavirus. These measures have been extended until 20 July. We strongly advise all British citizens in Haiti to follow the measures set out by President Moise in full:

  • a curfew between 8 pm and 5 am
  • you should stay at home and limit your movements to essential movements only
  • schools, universities and factories and places of worship are closed until further notice
  • a ban on all events/meetings of more than 10 people
  • the wearing of facemasks in public places is compulsory 
  • a 14 day quarantine for anyone entering the country”