Demonstrations are planned in Paris for Friday 1 May. Demonstrators are expected to gather at the Court of Human Rights near Trocadero, the Place de la Bastille, and the Place de la Republique at unspecified times throughout the day to commemorate May Day/International Workers’ Day. Disobeying COVID-19 social distancing restrictions may lead to clashes with police.
Police are investigating an incident that took place on 27 April in Colombes, France. Police were reportedly conducting an ID check when a driver intentionally collided with officers resulting in severe injuries. Police later found a knife in the vehicle and reason to believe it may be terror-related.
On 19 April, clashes in Paris were reported between protesters and police. It has been reported by local media that police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. Protesters threw fireworks and projectiles at security personnel in Villeneuve-la-Garenne and set several vehicles on fire. Reports indicate that the protests are in opposition to the heavy-handed enforcement by authorities upholding COVID-19 lockdown measures. Further protests can be expected.
Protests are scheduled in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney on 9 April to denounce the government wage subsidy program as ineffective for workers affected by COVID-19. According to local media, protesters are planning to drive around the cities from 15:00-18:00 local time. Police will be strictly enforcing social distancing protocols implemented due to COVID-19, possibly resulting in clashes.
On 2 April, five firebombs were reportedly lobbed at the Best Mart outlet located on the ground floor of the Shan King shopping center in Tuen Mun at approximately 02:30 local time. No injuries were reported. It is likely that further related attacks will take place in the coming days. The incident is believed to be in connection to anti-government protests.
Due to COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus, markets and vendors were instructed to cease business operations. Police were dispatched to enforce these regulations where tear gas and batons were used to disperse individuals who were protesting government mandates.
The U.S. Embassy has suspended consular services until further notice. Enhanced COVID-19 measures will be in effect for the following neighborhoods: Santiago Centro, Independencia, Providencia, Ñuñoa, Las Condes, Vitacura, and Lo Barnechea, until 9 April.
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.