AMERICAS

Belize / Guatemala / Mexico (Security threat levels – 3 / 4 / 4): Hurricane Nana came ashore as a Category 1 storm on the coast of Belize between the towns of Dangriga and Placencia in the early hours of 3 September 2020, and subsequently weakened to a tropical storm. As of 0600 local time (1200 UTC), Tropical Storm Nana was located approximately 110 km (150 mi) north-northwest of Guatemala City, according to the National Hurricane Center. At that time, Nana was moving west-southwest at 24 kph (15 mph) and had maximum sustained winds of 95 kph, with higher gusts. The storm is forecast to continue on its current path and move inland over Guatemala through the afternoon hours of 3 September and into southeastern Mexico during the evening hours. Nana is forecast to rapidly weaken before becoming a remnant low on 4 September.

Ahead of the hurricane’s landfall, approximately 4,000 residents of southern Belize took shelter in government-operated facilities as a precaution. Thus far, no reports have emerged regarding notable damage or casualties.

Nana is forecast to produce 100-200 mm (4-8 in) of rain in Belize, with isolated maximums of up to 250 mm. Areas in Guatemala and the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco could receive 75-150 mm of rain, with isolated maximums of up to 205 mm. In the eastern parts of the Mexican states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, the storm may produce 150-200 mm of rainfall, with isolated maximums of up to 300 mm. Heavy rains may cause dangerous flash flooding and landslides in these areas.

Authorities in Belize and Mexico have annulled all watches and warnings. At present, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Caribbean coastline of Guatemala and the Honduran Bay Islands, including Roatán. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect on the northern coast of Honduras for areas west of the town of Punta Patuca to the Honduras-Guatemala border.

British Virgin Islands / Peru (Security threat levels – 1 / 3): On 2 September 2020, authorities in the British Virgin Islands imposed a nationwide daily curfew from 1300-0500 local time (1700-0900 UTC) until 16 September to contain the spread of COVID-19. Throughout the 14-day curfew period, only essential services will be allowed to operate, including supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, gas stations and medical services. Additionally, all gatherings of more than 10 people are banned and face masks are required in all public spaces.

In Peru, officials have approved the resumption of international flights beginning on 1 October. A limited number of flights are expected to be available from Peru to Chile, Mexico, Spain and the U.S. All passengers will be required to take a COVID-19 test before boarding their flights, among other health protocols yet to be finalized. Commercial international flights to and from Peru were suspended in March.

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 2 September 2020, a major union representing truck drivers announced that its week-long nationwide strike has concluded following a tentative deal with the Chilean government. The labor action disrupted supply chains and raised concerns for food and commodity exports. Leaders of the National Confederation of the Chilean Cargo Transport (CNTC) stated that they will closely monitor the government’s progress on its promises to the union — details of the agreement have not been released publicly. The CNTC continues to advocate for Congress to fast-track a dozen security bills after a spike in attacks across central Chile’s restive Araucania province affected the transport sector.

ASIA

China / Myanmar / Malaysia (Security threat levels – 3 / 4 / 3): As of 3 September 2020, inbound international flights to Beijing from Austria, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Sweden and Thailand may resume. Only Chinese nationals or nationals from one of the aforementioned countries may board the flights. All travelers must submit a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to travel and are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Beijing.

On 3 September authorities in Myanmar announced that individuals entering the capital Naypyitaw will be required to undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test and quarantine. Only those who test negative will be allowed entry. Additionally, travelers arriving in the city from areas in the country with high numbers of COVID-19 cases will be quarantined in a government-designated facility for at least seven days. Those arriving from other areas of the country will be allowed to leave the quarantine earlier, provided they test negative for COVID-19.

In Malaysia, the government announced on 3 September that permanent residents, individuals possessing Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) passes, spousal visa holders and students from countries with more than 150,000 cumulative COVID-19 cases will be banned from entry beginning on 7 September until further notice. Limited exceptions will exist for government officials and individuals involved in emergency situations; immigration officials will determine exception status on a case-by-case basis. Authorities initially stated on 1 September that only nationals from India, Indonesia and the Philippines will be subject to the entry ban.

South Korea / North Korea (Security threat levels – 2 / 3): Typhoon Maysak made landfall near Busan, South Korea, in the early hours of 3 September 2020. At least 39,000 homes lost power nationwide. On Jeju Island, rainfall of up to 1,000 mm (39 in) in some places caused extensive flooding and damage. At least two people were killed due to the typhoon. Meanwhile in North Korea, widespread flooding occurred on the eastern coast, including in Wonsan and Pyongyang, the capital; however, authorities did not report any injuries or deaths.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 2 September 2020, Jordanian officials announced that regularly scheduled commercial flights to and from Queen Alia International Airport (OJAI/ AMM) will resume on 8 September. Authorities have divided countries into three categories — green, yellow and red — classified on a color-coded system based on the scale of COVID-19 outbreak in those countries. All travelers will be required to provide proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Jordan and they will be tested on arrival. Travelers from countries designated as green will be required to provide proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Jordan and they will be tested upon arrival. Provided the result of the second test is also negative, those coming from countries in the green category do not face any restrictions. Travelers from countries in the yellow category will be subjected to additional requirements, including quarantine in a government facility for seven days, at which point they will be tested a third time; if the result of the third test is negative, they will be required to self-quarantine for seven days. Travelers from countries designated as red will undergo the same procedures and will also be required to wear a tracking bracelet during the seven-day home quarantine period.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 2 September 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra issued a Health Alert regarding the extension of border regions, which reads in part as follows:

“Starting September 4, New South Wales (NSW) will extend the border region between NSW and Victoria to 50 km. Border zone residents and workers will still need a border entry permit to enter NSW. Outside the border region, residents returning to NSW from Victoria  must enter NSW through the Sydney airport and will be required to go into hotel quarantine  for 14 days at their own expense (the fee will be waived until September 11 ).

“Measures in Australia to limit the spread of COVID-19 vary by state and territory. Please check the individual state and territory websites  for further information. State, territory, and local authorities may levy fines on and/or arrest individuals not following physical distancing or other orders.”

Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 3 September 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Amman issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows:

"On September 2, 2020, the Government of Jordan announced it will impose a 24-hour comprehensive curfew in Amman and Zarqa governorates from Thursday, September 3 at 11:00 p.m. through Friday, September 4 at 11:00 p.m. As with previous comprehensive curfews, no one should move outside the home during this period without a valid movement pass and authorization from the Government of Jordan."

To read the full text of the alert, please click here .
Trinidad & Tobago (Security threat level – 3): On 2 September 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago, which reads in part as follows: 

“Under new public health regulations that came into effect on 31 August 2020, it is a legal requirement for all individuals aged 8 years and over to wear a mask in public spaces, including when travelling in private vehicles. Failure to do so attracts a fine. You should adhere to all precautionary measures put in place by the local authorities. Schools and universities remain closed.”