AMERICAS

Canada (Security threat level – 2): Shortly before 0800 local time (1100 UTC) on 23 September 2020, post-tropical Storm Teddy made landfall with maximum sustained winds of about 100 kph (60 mph) near the town of Sheet Harbor, Nova Scotia — located approximately 115 km (70 mi) east of Halifax — bringing heavy rainfall to the region. The storm downed trees and utility poles; at least 3,600 homes and businesses in Nova Scotia remain without electricity, as of the latest reports. Public buses and ferries in Halifax are suspended and a number of flights scheduled to operate through Halifax Stanfield International Airport (CYHZ/YHZ) are canceled. Thus far, there have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths.

Meteorologists forecast that Teddy will now track over the eastern part of Prince Edward Island and reach Newfoundland island by the nighttime hours of 23 September. The storm is expected to be east of Labrador on 24 September. The aforementioned areas are expected to receive 50-100 mm (2-4 in) of rain, with isolated maximums of up to 150 mm. Flash floods could occur in these areas.

Jamaica (Security threat level – 3): On 22 September 2020, authorities announced that they have extended the existing nightly curfew imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 until at least 7 October. A nationwide curfew from 2100-0500 local time (1600-0000 UTC) is in effect except in the parishes of Clarendon, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas. A shortened curfew from 1900-0500 local time is in effect in the latter five parishes. Gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited and residents over 75 years of age are required to remain in their homes except in emergency situations. Mandatory face mask and social distancing orders are in effect in all public areas. Additional restrictions are in place in the five aforementioned parishes, which further restrict the operating hours of a number of businesses, including bars, markets, public parks and restaurants.

ASIA

Japan (Security threat level – 1): As of 0900 UTC on 23 September 2020, Tropical Storm Dolphin was located approximately 380 km (235 mi) south-southwest of Yokosuka and was moving northeast at 30 kph (18 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Dolphin was generating maximum sustained winds of 93 kph, with gusts of up to 120 kph. The storm is forecast to continue along its northeastern path without making landfall, although strong winds and heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm (8 in) are expected in eastern Japan — including in the capital Tokyo — through 24 September. Authorities also warned of potential landslides as well as tornadoes in areas along the storm’s path.

EUROPE

Belgium (Security threat level – 3): On 23 September 2020, the National Security Council reduced the amount of time required to self-quarantine to seven days for travelers returning to Belgium from high-risk areas, or for individuals who come into contact with a person who tests positive for COVID-19. Previously, the requirement was to self-quarantine for 14 days. After seven days of self-quarantine, individuals must take a PCR COVID-19 test. Those who test COVID-19 positive must quarantine for an additional seven days. All countries outside the EU or Schengen Area and the following locations are deemed high-risk areas: Andorra, Vienna province, Austria, and select provinces in Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Monaco, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and the U.K. Further information regarding these high-risks areas can be found here . Additionally, officials removed a mandate that required residents to wear face masks in outdoor areas.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 23 September 2020, police officers clashed with protesters in the Gombe municipality of Kinshasa, the capital. Police officers fired tear gas to disperse protesters, and gunshots were reportedly heard in the area during the clashes. However, there were no reports of injuries or deaths. Police officers had blocked the route surrounding Huillerie and Camp Lufungala, preventing protesters from marching to the Foreign Ministry. The march was organized to demand that the Rwandan ambassador to the DRC be expelled over his purported denial of Rwandan soldiers allegedly attacking Congolese civilians.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Guinea (Security threat level – 4): On 22 September 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Conakry issued a Security Alert ahead of the upcoming election, which reads in part as follows:

"Location: Throughout Guinea

"Event: Guinean Presidential Election Scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2020

"The Guinean presidential elections are scheduled for Sunday, October 18. There is always a possibility protest activity may occur in Conakry and throughout Guinea at any given time. The frequency and intensity of protest activity increases as an election date approaches, and U.S. citizens should remain particularly vigilant until well after October 18.

"The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Guinea , advising U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Guinea due to COVID-19, and to exercise increased caution in Guinea due to civil unrest.

"Typical locations for protest activity often include, but are not limited to, Rue le Prince from the Cosa intersection, to the Bambeto traffic circle, to the Hamdallaye traffic circle. When violence occurs during these protests, it often takes the form of blocked traffic, burned tires in the streets, and rocks and debris thrown at passing vehicles.

"On election day, all roads will be closed to non-emergency traffic. Vehicles without special election worker permits will not be allowed on the roads."