The Week Ahead: September 30, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Lombardy, Italy: Travel Advisory | Railway workers from Trenord will go on strike from September 30 to October 1 in Lombardy, Italy. Travelers should confirm travel arrangements and expect transportation delays. Travelers should plan alternate travel routes and monitor local media for updates. 
  • France: Travel Advisory | The General Confederation of Labor is leading other labor unions on a strike in France from September 30 at 7:00 PM to October 2 at 7:00 AM. The strike is in response to pension reform, and will heavily affect travel across the country. Expect major delays for the duration of the strike. 
  • Belgium: Travel Advisory | Union workers in Belgium will strike from October 3-4 with disruptions to air travel expected. They will strike in response to deteriorating working conditions. Airlines have proactively canceled flights and adjusted schedules in preparation for the strike. Travelers are advised to confirm all flights with their airlines and adjust travel plans if possible. Expect delays at the airport and ensure you have extra time when arriving. 
  • Paris, France: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather in Paris, France on October 5 to protest the Israel-Hamas conflict. The demonstration will occur outside Le Place de la République. Clashes are expected between demonstrators and law enforcement. Travelers are advised to avoid the area for the duration of the protest. Plan alternate routes when traveling and do not engage with protesters. 
  • Berlin, Germany: Protest Advisory | On October 6 at 5:00 PM, protesters will gather in Friedrich Ebert Square in Berlin, Germany. The protests are in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and will take place one day prior to the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. Travelers should avoid all protests and demonstrations. Travelers should prepare alternate travel routes and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
  • Central and Southern Mexico: Weather Advisory | Until at least October 1, severe weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possibly hail, is expected across Central and Southern Mexico. Heavy rain could lead to flooding and landslides in low-lying areas and urban areas. Flight and other travel delays are possible. Travelers should monitor local media for updates and advisories and confirm travel plans. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas and plan alternate routes. Charge electronic devices in case of electricity outages. 
  • Argentina: Protest Advisory | On October 2 at 5:00 PM, activists supporting the Consejo Interuniversitario Nacional (CIN) will gather across Argentina to demand the acceptance of a bill proposing increased funding for state colleges and universities. Likely gathering sites include government offices, public spaces, roadways, and transport hubs. Police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and avoid roadblocks or confront protesters at demonstrations.
  • Lima, Peru: Protest Advisory | On October 3 at 9:00 AM, members of the Central Autónoma de Trabajadores del Perú will demonstrate outside of the Palacio de Justicia in Lima, Peru. The demonstrators will protest against a decree issued by the court that regulates labor outsourcing. Travelers should avoid all protests and demonstrations. Travelers should prepare alternate travel routes and monitor local media for updates.
  • Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, Canada: Protest Advisory | Pro-Palestine demonstrations are scheduled for October 5 across Canada. In Montreal, demonstrations will take place at the Place des Arts, in Ottawa at Parliament Hill, and in Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square. All demonstrations will take place at 2:00 PM local time. Most demonstrations could draw hundreds to thousands of participants. Heightened security is expected as conflict between rival activists and police has occurred in the past. Use caution near demonstrations and follow the directions of authorities. Expect heightened security and travel delays. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Brazil: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, activists will demonstrate throughout Brazil due to upcoming mayoral elections on October 7 and 27. Police presence and localized disruptions are possible. Violence is unlikely, though cannot be ruled out. Travelers are advised to avoid wearing colors associated with political parties. Remain aware of election events. Avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
  • Selayang, Malaysia: Protest Advisory | On October 1 in Selayang, Malaysia, protesters will gather to oppose recent zoning decisions. Protestors will begin their demonstration at Selayang Municipal Assembly Hall. Travelers should expect heightened security and road disruptions. Avoid protest areas and plan alternate routes. Monitor local news outlets and media to stay informed.
  • Seoul and Gyeonggi, South Korea: Security Advisory | Heightened security and disruptions are expected on October 1 due to events for Armed Forces Day. There will be a ceremony at 10:00 AM at Seoul Air Base in Gyeonggi and a parade at 4:00 PM in Seoul from Sungnyemun to Gwanghwamun. Travelers should expect travel disruptions and heightened security near the events. Check the status of routes before traveling and plan for additional time. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Hong Kong: Security Advisory | On October 1, heightened security of at least 6,000 security personnel and surveillance will be stationed nationwide in Hong Kong during National Day celebrations to manage crowd control. Checkpoints, random searches, and travel restrictions are expected. Follow instructions from local authorities and carry identification. Expect travel disruptions and exercise caution during the celebrations. Report all suspicious activity to authorities. Monitor local media for updates and advisories. 
  • Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On October 4 at 4:00 PM, activists will gather at Victoria Barracks before marching to Flinders Street Station for a sit-in protest starting at 6:00 PM to denounce the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. 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.
Africa & Middle East
  • Tunisia: Protest Advisory | Until at least October 6, protestors are expected to gather across Tunisia ahead of the presidential election. Protestors will denounce the authoritarianism of President Kais Saied in Tunis at 10:00 AM on September 28. Protestors will march from Bab Souika to the Palace of Justice. Protests are likely to remain peaceful, but disruptions to travel and heightened security are expected. Expect traffic disruptions and heightened security in the local protest areas. Reconfirm travel routes and plan for delays. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Kenya: Health Advisory | There has been a polio type 2 outbreak in Kenya, with three confirmed cases so far in 2024. There is a high risk of transmission and low vaccination coverage. Various local and worldwide health departments are working to conduct vaccinations, especially in children. Travelers should make sure they are vaccinated and stay away from those who are infected with polio. Follow health protocols and directions from authorities. Monitor local media and health organizations (WHO)  for updates and advisories. 
  • Tanzania: Health Advisory | Since September 5, Tanzania has reported 4,742 cholera cases across various regions. Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water. While many infected show no symptoms, some may experience diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness, or irritability within two to five days of exposure. If left untreated, it can lead to shock and death. Travelers should get vaccinated against cholera, exercise caution with food and water, and adhere to health guidelines. Seek medical attention if symptoms arise, and stay updated through local media.
  • Rwanda: Health Advisory | On September 27, Marburg virus disease (MVD) was detected in Rwanda. Several cases are currently under investigation. Marburg virus causes hemorrhagic fevers with a high fatality rate. There is no known treatment or vaccination. The virus spreads through contact with infected individuals, bats or primates, or bodily fluids including saliva, blood, urine, and sexual fluids. Symptoms include chest and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and diarrhea. Travelers are advised to exercise strict hygiene measures. Avoid contact with sick individuals and bodily fluids. Monitor local media for updates on affected areas. If symptoms develop, isolate and call a doctor. 

Recent
Advisories

Over the coming month, the risk of contracting Marburg virus disease (MVD) will be elevated in Rwanda.

On September 27, Marburg virus disease (MVD) was detected in Rwanda. Twenty cases are currently under investigation with six deaths so far. Marburg virus causes hemorrhagic fevers with a high fatality rate. There is no known treatment or vaccination. The virus spreads through contact with infected individuals, bats or primates, or bodily fluids including saliva, blood, urine, and sexual fluids. Symptoms include chest and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and diarrhea.

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