The Week Ahead: September 23, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Catalonia, Spain: Travel Advisory | Until September 24, unionized railway workers will strike to demand that the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) improve working conditions. Delays in public transport are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and reconfirm travel arrangements. Prepare alternate travel routes and monitor local media for updates.
  • Flanders, Belgium: Travel Advisory | On September 23, transportation workers from De Lijn will strike indefinitely. The strike follows failed contract negotiations, and essential workers will participate if negotiations do not restart in the next week. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and confirm travel arrangements. Prepare alternate travel routes and monitor local media for updates.
  • Paris, France: Protest Advisory | On September 26 at 12:00 PM, protesters will gather in front of the Ministry of Transport headquarters to protest against the disbanding of Freight Railway. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Helsinki, Finland: Protest Advisory | On September 27 at 4:00 PM, climate protesters will gather along Mannerheimintie before marching through the streets, likely down Eteläesplanadi. Police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Minor clashes between police and demonstrators are possible. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and exercise increased situational awareness. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Savona, Italy: Travel Advisory | On September 30 at 5:00 AM, TPL Linea bus drivers affiliated with the Italian Federation of Transport Workers will strike in Savona to demand better working conditions. Bus services will likely be disrupted, and other forms of public transport may be delayed due to increased demand. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to reconfirm travel plans. Use alternate transport as required and avoid any demonstrations that materialize. Monitor local media for updates.
Americas
  • Caracollo, Bolivia: Protest Advisory | Through at least September 23, protesters will gather in Caracollo, Bolivia, to demand that the government address fuel and economic issues. Police presence and transport disruptions are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest areas, plan routes before departure, and monitor local media for updates.
  • Tabasco State, Mexico: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, armed criminals may clash with authorities in Tabasco due to the deployment of special forces and commencement of air support operations. Increased security and disruptions to transport are likely. Travelers are advised to exercise increased situational awareness. Only travel during the day. Follow directives given by authorities and carry identification. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Ecuador: Security Advisory | From September 23-26, there will be planned power outages across Ecuador from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Curfews will be implemented. Transportation and telecommunications disruptions are expected. Confirm travel plans ahead of time and plan for delays and cancellations. Charge electronic devices and ensure that generators are functional. Monitor local media for updates and advisories.
  • Chile: Health Advisory | From September 24-26, healthcare workers will strike across Chile to demand changes to proposed health reforms. Healthcare services will likely be disrupted, and emergency medical care may be delayed. Travelers are advised to reconfirm all healthcare appointments. Seek medical attention at hospital emergency rooms if required, and plan alternate treatment options. Monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
  • Thailand: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of contracting measles in Thailand will remain elevated. 4,408 cases reported from January 1 to September 2 in 2024, compared to 64 cases in 2023. Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces are the most affected. Symptoms include fever, rash, red eyes, cough, and runny nose. Travelers are advised to seek medical assistance to ensure measles vaccination or immunity. Call a doctor if symptoms present. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Vietnam: Weather Advisory | Over the coming week, Tropical Depression Soulik will cause heavy rain and possible floods throughout Vietnam, particularly in the central region. Disruptions to transport are likely. Roads may be closed due to floods and evacuation orders may be issued. Travelers are advised to exercise increased situational awareness in transit. Do not travel on blocked or damaged roads. Follow directives given by authorities and monitor local media for updates. 
  • Philippines: Travel Advisory | From September 23-24, unionized public transport workers will strike nationwide to denounce the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, disrupting public transport. Associated demonstrations are likely in public spaces, roadways, transport hubs, and government offices across the Philippines. Police presence and disruptions to travel are likely at any demonstrations that materialize. Travelers are advised to use alternate means of transport, avoid demonstrations, and exercise increased situational awareness. Monitor local media for updates.
  • New Zealand: Health Advisory | On September 27 and 30 at 4:00 PM, ambulance workers affiliated with the First Union and New Zealand Ambulance Association will strike for 24 hours to demand salary increases and additional support. Over 1,000 workers may participate. Ambulance services will likely be disrupted, and associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers are advised to plan for additional emergency medical transport in case of delays during the strike periods. Avoid any protests that materialize and monitor local media for updates.  
Africa & Middle East
  • Trinidad and Tobago: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of contracting dengue fever will remain elevated. 1,407 confirmed cases were reported between January 1 and September 17, compared to 19 in 2023. Symptoms include fever along with headaches, pain behind eyes, muscle/joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and nose/gum bleeding. Travelers are advised to use insect repellents and mosquito netting. If dengue infection is suspected, seek medical attention and avoid ibuprofen and aspirin. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Marrakesh, Morocco: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, Mpox may spread across Marrakesh. The virus spreads through contact with blood, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and lesions. Symptoms include rashes, fever, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and chills. Travelers should avoid close contact with sick individuals and contaminated surfaces. If a rash develops, seek medical care and limit contact with others. Avoid products from wild animals and monitor local media for updates.
  • Kenya: Security Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, crime, and kidnappings will be elevated in Kenya due to the upcoming anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. Potential targets include places of worship and tourist destinations such as hotels, malls, markets, schools, and restaurants. Travelers are advised to avoid crowds and demonstrations. Do not travel alone, maintain a low profile and avoid routine movement. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Western Uganda: Health Advisory | Over the coming months, the risk of anthrax infection will be elevated in Western Uganda. The Buhweju, Bushenyi, and Kangungu districts are facing an outbreak. Authorities have restricted livestock movement and consumption. Anthrax can be fatal and spreads through contact with infected animals and exposure to spores. Symptoms include ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal issues. Travelers are advised to avoid contact with livestock and ensure all meat is properly cooked. If symptoms arise, seek immediate medical attention. Monitor local media for updates.

Recent
Advisories

On September 27, activists will protest in Helsinki, Finland, to demand increased action against climate change.

On September 27 at 4:00 PM, protesters from climate action group Elokapina (Finnish Extinction Rebellion) and additional activists will gather along Mannerheimintie before marching through the streets, likely down Eteläesplanadi. Police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Minor clashes between police and demonstrators are possible.

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