Due to community spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) the Department of State has issued a level 4 advisory (Do not travel) to northern regions Lombardy and Veneto which include popular destinations Milan and Venice. The Centers for Disease Control advises travelers to avoid all non-essential travel and consider postponing or canceling study abroad programs in Italy.
A large protest has been organized by the Workers Party of Belgium on March 1st. The protest is in response to socio-economic issues and politician wages. Thousands will gather at Brussels Central Station before the protest begins in the area. Brussels Central Station among other transportation hubs will be heavily impacted.
“Yellow-Vests” (Gilets Jaunes) are planning protests on February 29th. The group intends to gather in Paris at Place Edouard Herriot where the group will march around the National Assembly. In Nantes protesters will gather at Miroir d’Eau where two groups will march to Carriere Misery and Place Emile Zola. Increased police presence is likely as recent protests have escalated resulting in riot control measures.
Brussels Airport police are striking to raise awareness of understaffing as contract negotiations continue. Airport police have submitted a strike notice from February 21 – March 1. The strike will result in significant delays in the pre-flight security process.
As a result of Storm Dennis, severe flooding and winds continue to threaten the U.K. Flooding has caused transportation disruptions for railways and roads. Flights are being canceled due to unsafe flying conditions. Power outages and significant property damage has occurred. Be aware that flooded roads could carry an electrical current if power lines are down.
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