AMERICAS

Bermuda (Security threat level – 1): As of 0900 local time (1200 UTC) on 22 October 2020, Hurricane Epsilon was located approximately 385 km (235 mi) east-southeast of Bermuda and was moving northwest at 11 kph (7 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Epsilon was generating maximum sustained winds of 155 kph (100 mph), with higher gusts. Epsilon is projected to begin turning northward late on 22 October as it passes well to the east of Bermuda, followed by a turn toward the northeast by 23 October. The periphery of Epsilon is forecast to bring tropical storm conditions to eastern portions of Bermuda through 22 October. A Tropical Storm Watch is currently in effect for the island. Large swells are currently affecting coastal areas in Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles and the Leeward Islands, and are projected to reach portions of the eastern U.S. and Canadian coasts over the next few days. The hurricane-generated swells could cause life-threatening surf and riptide conditions.

Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 21 October 2020, President Martín Vizcarra announced the relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions. International flights lasting more than eight hours will be allowed to resume as of 1 November, expanding the current four-hour maximum for international flights. Additionally, 24-hour lockdowns on Sundays will be lifted as of 25 October in the regions of Cusco, Puno, Moquegua and Tacna, and in the provinces of Abancay and Huamanga.

Puerto Rico (Security threat level – 2): On the evening of 21 October 2020, authorities shut down Puerto Rico’s two 911 call centers after several employees tested positive for COVID-19. Individuals who require emergency assistance in Puerto Rico should call either 787-724-0124, the number for the island’s emergency management agency, or 787-343-2020, the number for the police force. The public safety secretary stated that the 911 call centers will be sanitized and reopened, but no specific date for the reopening was provided

ASIA

China / Vietnam (Security threat levels – 3 / 3): As of 0900 UTC on 21 October 2020, Tropical Storm Saudel had strengthened into a typhoon and was located approximately 570 km (355 mi) northwest of Manila, Philippines, and 880 km east-northeast of Da Nang, Vietnam, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, the storm was moving north-northwest at 7 kph (5 mph) and was generating maximum sustained winds of 120 kph, with gusts of up to 148 kph. On its current forecast path, Saudel is expected to turn toward the west on 23 October, begin weakening as it passes south of China’s Hainan Island overnight on 24-25 October, and make landfall in central Vietnam near the border of Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces early on 25 October. Authorities have warned that rainfall amounts of 100-200 mm (4-8 in), with isolated maximums of 300 mm, are possible over portions of southern Hainan Island and central Vietnam. Authorities in Vietnam warned that additional flooding and landslides are possible as rainfall from Saudel exacerbates ongoing flood conditions, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people and displaced more than 90,000 others across portions of the country.
Thailand (Security threat level – 3): During the afternoon of 21 October 2020, anti-government protesters marched from the Democracy Monument to Government House in the capital Bangkok. Upon reaching Government House the demonstrators delivered an ultimatum for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to resign within three days and release arrested protesters, or they would resume disruptive protests. Prayuth did not immediately respond to the demands. Likely in an attempt to ease tensions, Prayuth later announced that the state of emergency in Bangkok which limits the number of attendees at public gatherings will expire at 1200 local time on 22 October.
In related developments, pro-monarchy demonstrators gathered in Bangkok, Lampang, Chiang Mai and other cities. At the Hua Mak campus of Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok minor altercations between anti-government and pro-monarchy demonstrators occurred briefly before police officers intervened to separate the two sides. There were no reports of violence at other rallies during the day.

EUROPE

Italy (Security threat level – 3): On 21 October 2020, authorities in Italy’s Lazio region, which includes the capital Rome, imposed a nightly 2300-0500 local time (2100-0300 UTC) curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19. The curfew will remain in effect from 23 October to 22 November. During curfew hours, residents are not permitted to leave their homes, except to travel to and from work or to seek medical care.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Côte d’Ivoire (Security threat level – 4): On 22 October 2020, the mayor of Dabou — a port town located approximately 50 km (30 mi) west of Abidjan — announced that at least six people were killed and 40 more were injured as a result of political violence that occurred in the city throughout the week. In an effort to quell the violence, authorities on 21 October imposed a nightly curfew from 1900-0600 local time/UTC — which is in effect until 25 October — and deployed additional security forces to the city. The unrest reportedly began during the evening of 19 October when supporters of the opposition clashed with supporters of President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking a controversial third term as president in the upcoming election on 31 October.

Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): On 22 October 2020, the streets in central Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city — where a 24-hour curfew is currently in effect — are largely deserted. The latest reports indicate that security personnel are deployed to a prison in the Ikoyi neighborhood following reports of gunshots at the facility. Thus far, there have been no reports of notable violence or clashes in Lagos on 22 October after multiple acts of vandalism during the previous day. On 21 October vandals set the High Court building in Lagos island on fire and looted the building. Meanwhile, there were reports of gunshots in the Surelere suburb and a popular shopping center was looted and vandalized in the Lekki suburb. The governor of Lagos has stated that the ongoing statewide 24-hour curfew could be annulled on 23 October if the overall security situation remains stable.

Elsewhere in Nigeria, multiple state governments have imposed curfews amid the violence that has mainly targeted police stations. The governor of the southern Delta state imposed a statewide curfew for 48 hours as of 1800 local time (1700 UTC) on 22 October. Additionally, the governor of Anambra state also imposed a statewide 24-hour curfew as of 2000 local time. On 21 October authorities in the state of Enugu imposed a 24-hour curfew in Enugu city, the state capital. In Rivers state, the governor imposed a 24-hour curfew in select parts of the state, including in the areas of Mile 1, Mile 2, Emenike, Ikowu and Iloaubuchi in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Additionally, round-the-clock curfew orders are in effect in Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Plateau states and in the cities of Aba and Umuahia in Abia state.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Panama (Security threat level – 3): On 21 October 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Panama City issued a Health Alert regarding changes in movement restrictions, which reads in part as follows:

“Events: Change in Movement Restrictions and Opening of Beaches and Rivers

“Beginning Saturday, October 24, families will be allowed to gather in groups of seven or fewer at beaches and rivers. Activities at beaches and rivers will only be permitted from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Masks must be worn at all times, except when within your family bubble or when entering the water. Drinking alcohol at beaches and rivers is prohibited except at restaurants nearby.

“Beginning Sunday, October 25, all weekend quarantines are lifted, and curfew hours are standardized for the whole country, from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday.”

Senegal (Security threat level – 3): On 21 October 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar issued an alert regarding changes to COVID-19 testing procedures for travelers to Senegal, which reads in part as follows:

“Local media reports that effective immediately all travelers to Senegal over the age of two years must present an original COVID-19 test certificate showing a negative result on arrival. COVID-19 testing is no longer available on arrival at the airport. According to the Ministry of Tourism’s Circulaire 1723, the test must occur within seven days of entry into Senegal, however some local media report that the test must occur within five days. The test results must be issued by a laboratory approved for such testing or a recognized international health organization. Travelers transiting Senegal must also show such proof if they will be present in Senegal more than 24 hours or wish to exit the airport.

“Verification of testing compliance will be undertaken by the airline prior to departure to Senegal. Passengers without a negative COVID-19 test result may not be permitted to board. All travelers are strongly encouraged to check with their airline to verify requirements prior to travel.”

Tanzania (Security threat level – 3): On 22 October 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Event: The 2020 Tanzanian and Zanzibari general elections are scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

“U.S. citizens in Tanzania should heighten awareness and caution during the election period. There is an increased possibility of protests, marches, or rallies related to political activities occurring in Dar es Salaam and throughout Tanzania. These types of activities may increase the risk of violence, civil crime, and COVID-19 transmission. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and crowds and take proper precautions against the spread of COVID-19.”