Travel restrictions due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are impacting travelers attempting to return to the United States. To date 700 citizens have returned to the US under repatriation flights. While the US Embassy continues to look for additional transport, travelers should remain in their lodging.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that starting Friday 20 March at midnight, the U.S.-Canada border will be closed to all non-essential travel. The border will be closed until 20 April. The closure of the border is to limit the spread of COVID-19. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S.-Mexico border will also close to non-essential travel, however, a start date was not announced yet.
The situation involving the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve and have significant impacts on international travel. The State Department has issued a level 3 Global Health Advisory (reconsider travel). Due to the influx of U.S. citizens returning home, airports such as O’Hare International have experienced significant delays in entry processing. In addition, returning citizens will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
The President of Brazil has called for nationwide protests on March 15th. While the majority of protesters will be gathering in support of President Bolsonaro, opposition groups will likely counter-protest. Previous events have brought thousands to the streets which may impact transportation and traditional tourist locations.
Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a travel ban from Europe to the U.S., not including the UK. The travel ban will last 30 days beginning from Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11:59 PM. The travel ban restrictions will not apply to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected groups, as well as to flights entering the U.S. before 11:59 PM on March 13. Refer to the US Department of State for a full list of exceptions.
Due to changes in parking regulations at the Toulouse Blagnac International Airport, taxi drivers are planning a blockade on March 16th. Travelers may experience difficulty in finding transport to and from the airport. In addition travelers can expect increased security presence.
Due to significant rainfall, flood warnings remain in effect through March 13. Parts of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital are also under watch. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued major flood warnings in Queensland around the Lower Balonne and Paroo Rivers.
The Italian Minister of Education has declared as of March 4, 2020 that all schools and universities in the country will be closed from March 5th until March 15th in attempt to prevent further spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The decision is due to over 3090 cases which have left approximately 107 dead.
Heavy rains that started Saturday 29 February, have caused severe flooding, infrastructure damage, landslides, and impassable highways due to fallen trees and debris including highways linking Santos to São Paulo. Further rainfall is casted in the coming days.
Anti-immigration group Zukunft Heimat (Future Homeland) are planning protests in Cottbus on March 13th. Protesters will gather at Am Stadtbrunnen at approximately 1630.
A counter protest is likely to occur along with a significant increase in police activity due to previous incidents.
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