Since January 1, 2020, the number of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have doubled compared to the previous year. Symptoms from TBE include fever, muscle aches, headache, and nausea. If not treated, infections may progress to meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis, and can lead to permanent neurological conditions or death.
SafeAbroad travelers should be aware on July 19, the Guatemalan authorities declared a state of emergency for the municipalities of El Estor, Livingston, Morales, Panzos, and Santa Catalina la Tinta. This is due to increasing activity by illegal armed groups and associated levels of violence. The army and the police are being deployed as part of the measure, which will be in place for 30 days.
A demonstration by the Lima Debtors Association will take place on July 22, 2020 in the Plaza San Martín at 16:00 local time. The Association will march to denounce the high interest rates charged by Peruvian banks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The expected turnout and designated route for the march is still unknown.
A heatwave reaching temperatures of 28-30 ºC (82-86 ºF) will persist from July 20-22. The lack of rainfall and increase in heat creates a high potential for wildfires which may cause an issue for those with respiratory issues due to the resulting smoke.
On July 21, a protest is planned to be held outside the House of Representatives in Jakarta by activists from the Indonesia General Society Movement group (GMBI). The protest is being held to denounce a proposed national ideology law, which threatens Indonesia’s national ideology of Pancasila by allowing alternative ideologies to grow. Authorities will increase security, set up roadblocks, and security cordons at the House of Representatives and the surrounding area that same day.
A demonstration is scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires on July 22. The demonstration is being organized by the Union of Tourism, Hotel, and Gastronomic Workers of the Argentine Republic (UTHGRA) to protest the country’s COVID-19-related restrictions. Demonstrators are expected to gather at the Plaza de Mayo at approximately 16:00 local time. The duration and expected turnout of the demonstration is yet to be confirmed.
A demonstration against police brutality has been planned in Val-d’Oise, France on July 18. Participants will gather at 12:00 local time at the Persan town hall where a press conference is being held. The protest is inspired by the July 2016 death of a Malian-French man while in police custody. Related demonstrations have resulted in violence and police forces dispersing tear gas.
A protest is scheduled to occur in Hong Kong on July 19 to commemorate the anniversary of the July 21, 2019, Yuen Long MTR station attacks on pro-democracy protests. The demonstration will begin at the Yuen Long West Rail Station at 15:00 local time. Incidental violence is likely following the enactment of the new national security law, which prohibits anti-government activities.
A protest has been called on July 17 to take a stand against police brutality and state-sponsored violence, following the death of a 30-year-old bricklayer in police custody. Protests will begin at 10:00 local time at the Niños Héroes roundabout before moving to Plaza de Armas, where a demonstration will be held. Clashes between civilians and police forces are possible.
Leftist groups have called for a protest in Athens on July 16 to denounce the government’s repressive attitude following the violent suppression of a protest on July 9 by the police. The protest will occur at 19:00 local time in the area of the Propylaea Monument. Violent police intervention is expected following the behavior which inspired the demonstration.