International Travel Alert for Wednesday July 28th, 2021

AMERICAS

United States (Security threat level - 2): On 27 July 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated public health recommendations, advising people who are fully immunized for COVID-19 and reside in areas with “substantial” or “high” local transmission rates to wear a face mask in public indoor settings. The CDC currently categorizes 1,495 U.S. counties as experiencing high levels of transmission and 548 others as experiencing substantial levels of transmission -- which together accounts for nearly 64% of all counties in the country. In addition, the CDC advised that students, teachers, staff members and visitors in schools wear masks when indoors. The updated recommendations were issued amid a resurgence of COVID-19 across the United States, largely attributed to the rapid spread of the B.1.617.2 (delta) variant and lagging vaccination rates. More than half of the U.S. population is not fully vaccinated despite the abundance of vaccines and extensive efforts to encourage people to get inoculated for the disease. Further information regarding updated recommendations as outlined by the CDC can be read here.

ASIA

Japan (Security threat level - 1): As of 1800 local time (0900 UTC) on 28 July 2021, Tropical Depression Nepartak was located approximately 80 km (50 mi) west-southwest of Misawa and was moving northwest at 28 kph (17 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Nepartak was generating maximum sustained winds of 56 kph, with gusts of up to 74 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to enter the Sea of Japan during the evening of 28-29 July.

Nepartak made landfall in Miyagi prefecture near Sendai as a typhoon early on 28 July before quickly weakening into a tropical depression. There have been no reports of casualties or significant damage resulting from the storm. However, rainfall of up to 100 mm (4 in) is possible in areas along the storm’s path through 29 July.

EUROPE

Armenia / Azerbaijan (Security threat levels - 4 / 4): On 28 July 2021, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces exchanged fire for several hours along the border between Armenia’s Sotk village and Azerbaijan’s Kalbacar district. Armenia’s Defense Ministry claimed that three of its soldiers were killed and two others were injured, while Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry claimed that two of its soldiers were injured in the skirmish. Military officials from each country accused the other side of initiating the altercation. Fighting ended after both sides accepted a ceasefire proposal by Russian officials.

Norway (Security threat level - 2): On 28 July 2021, authorities in Norway postponed for a second time the final step in the government's planned reopening amid the continued spread of the delta variant of COVID-19. Limits on indoor operations at bars and restaurants remain in place, as do limits on gatherings in private homes, with at most 20 people allowed. According to the Norwegian minister of health, the administration will reassess conditions in mid-August to determine whether it will annul remaining coronavirus-related restrictions.

GOVERNMENT TRAVEL WARNINGS

Jamaica (Security threat level - 3): On 27 July 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Jamaica, which reads in part as follows: "There is an island wide curfew from with extended hours for weekends and Public Holidays. The curfew hours are:

• 8pm on Saturdays to 5am on Sundays
• 3pm on Sundays and public holidays (including Emancipation Day on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 August and Independence Day on Friday 6 August) to 5am the following day
• small outdoor events (e.g. concerts, parties, festivals and community events) have a limit of 100 people
• large events (e.g. wedding parties over 100 people) will require application and approval from the relevant authorities
• small events are allowed with no more than 100 persons in total or a maximum capacity of 50% of the useable square footage, whichever is lower. This number includes organizers and support personnel
• Gatherings, including worship services, gyms, restaurants, bars etc are allowed 50% capacity of the square footage"

Rwanda (Security threat level - 3): On 27 July 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali issued an Alert regarding new lockdown areas, which reads in part as follows: "On July 26, 2021, the Government of Rwanda announced localized lockdowns for additional areas of Rwanda from July 28 – August 10, 2021. The localized COVID-19 prevention measures apply to the following areas:

"Southern Province:

"Ruhango District: Sectors of Kinazi, Mbuye, Ntongwe, Ruhango, Byimana and Kinihira

"Muhanga District: Sectors of Shyogwe, Kiyumba, Cyeza, Nyamabuye, Rugendabari, Muhanga and Mushishiro

"Nyamagabe District: Sectors of Kamegeri, Kibumbwe, Gasaka and Mugano

"Huye District: Sectors of Tumba, Kinazi and Gishamvu

"Nyanza District: Sectors of Busoro, Mukingo, Kibilizi and Kigoma

"Nyaruguru District: Sector of Ngera

"Northern Province:

"Rulindo District: Sectors of Cyungo, Burega and Shyorongi

"Eastern Province:

"Kayonza District: Sectors of Mukarange, Mwiri, Gahini, Murundi, Rukara and Nyamirama

"Bugesera District: Sectors of Rilima, Juru, Nyamata Ruhuha and Shyara

"Gatsibo District: Sectors of Muhura, Kageyo, Remera, Kabarore and Murambi

"Western Province:

"Nyamasheke District: Sectors of Nyabitekeri, Shangi and Bushenge

"Rusizi District: Sectors of Nyakabuye and Gitambi

"Karongi District: Sector of Murambi

"The COVID-19 prevention measures in these areas are the same as in the City of Kigali and the eight other districts currently locked down. As of July 27, the lockdown of Kigali and the eight other districts has not been extended beyond July 31. The prevention measures are as follows:

• Movements and visits outside the home are not permitted except for essential services such as healthcare, food shopping, or banking (or personnel performing such services).
• Outdoor sports and recreational activities are prohibited.
• Public transport is prohibited. Motorcycle taxis and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers but may offer delivery services.
• Offices (public and private) are closed, except for those providing essential services.
• Businesses are closed, except for those selling food, medicine, and other approved essential items but will operate at 30 percent capacity. Businesses permitted to operate must close at 5:00 PM.
• Arriving and departing passengers at Kigali International Airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.
• Tourism activities will continue in strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services assisting guests.
• All swimming pools and spas will remain closed except for those at hotels hosting tested guests."

The full text of the alert is available here.

Information provided by United Healthcare Global July 28th, 2021