On 28 October, the Belgian government released measures sending the country into a partial nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19. The following restrictions will be in place until 19 November: various businesses are forced to close, only essential facilities, open-air establishments, some sports facilities, places of worship, cultural venues, outdoor playgrounds, and nature parks are allowed to operate.
Following a surge in COVID-19 cases, UK authorities have declared a nationwide lockdown from 5 November until 2 December. During this time, non-essential businesses and the hospitality sector will close, and working from home is mandatory when possible. The mixing of household groups will be limited. Schools and universities will remain open.
The French government raised the national terrorism threat to maximum level (‘emergency attack’) on 29 October, following the terrorist knife attack at Notre-Dame basilica in Nice. Attacks are likely related to President Macron’s 21 October remarks on caricatures of the prophet Muhammad. Expect heightened security at religious sites, schools, major tourist landmarks, and transportation hubs nationwide.
French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a national lockdown order, a reassessment will be made on 1 December. Leaving the home will be limited to essential trips such as medical appointments and work. Restaurants, bars, and other non-essential businesses will close, schools and factories will remain open with strict guidelines.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has declared a second partial national lockdown, a reassessment will be made in two weeks. Tourism is now paused, bars and restaurants will once again be limited to takeaway only, yet schools will remain open. Social contacts will also be limited and those traveling into Germany will be required to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine for a brief period.
Members in Nice in the coming hours, on 29 October, should continue to avoid the vicinity of the Notre-Dame basilica. A security operation is ongoing after a fatal stabbing incident in which approximately three people were killed around 9:00 local time and others were injured. The area is now being cordoned off by security forces and a terrorism investigation has been launched. The suspect has been apprehended and transferred to the hospital.
Yellow vest protesters are planning to stage a march in Paris on 31 October. The march is being organized to criticize the government’s COVID-19 response and to demand the lifting of related curfews and restrictions. Demonstrators will gather at Place Jussieu at 11:00 local time then march to Place d’Italie.
Typhoon Molave made landfall in Da Nang province in central Vietnam early on 28 October. The storm maintains a level four disaster risk level on a five-tier scale. The storm will remain in central and northern Vietnam until at least 29 October, bringing high winds, heavy rains, causing damage to homes, and potentially disturbing electricity.
In the coming weeks, members in North and West Africa, especially Francophone countries, should anticipate protests following the French President Emmanuel Macron’s words regarding controversial caricatures of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Further protests are likely around the Prophet’s birthday on 29 October and All Saints’ Day on 1 November.
Julius Malema, leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, and EFF lawmaker Mbuyiseni Ndlozi are to stand trial on 28-29 October for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Supporters of defendants are likely to gather outside the Randburg Magistrates’’ Court. This could cause localized disruption as well as risk for clashes between police and parties involved.
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