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6 May 2020 Weekly COVID-19 Pandemic Update (7)

WEEKLY COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE (REPORT #7)

CONTEXT

There is currently an outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The first case was reported in China in late December 2019. While authorities are still investigating the primary source of the outbreak, the first cases were connected to people who worked at or visited a seafood market in Wuhan. Human-to-human and patient-to medical staff transmission of the virus have also been confirmed and many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus a global emergency, with the outbreak continuing to spread outside China.

As of 5 May 2020, 3,517,345 cases have been confirmed globally (81,454 new cases in last 24 hours) with 243,401 deaths reported (3,797 deaths reported in last 24 hours). The WHO notes however that “the number of confirmed cases reported by countries reflects the national laboratory testing capacity and strategy, thus the interpretation of the number of cases reported should take this into account.”

Countries, territories or areas with confirmed cases of COVID-19 (5 May 2020):

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Over the past week (29 April - 5 May) two new countries/territories/regions have reported their first COVID-19 cases

• Comoros (1 confirmed case)

• Tajikistan (15 confirmed cases)

Global COVID-19 Cases

and Deaths: As of 5 May

2020 (WHO)

3,517,345 confirmed

cases

243,401 deaths


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REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

***note that the figures below are confirmed cases of COVID-19, due to undertesting, actual COVID-19 case figures are likely to be significantly higher***

WESTERN PACIFIC REGION

China (84,404 total cases confirmed), Singapore (18,778), Japan (15,231), Korea (10,804), Philippines (9,485), Australia (6,824), Malaysia (6,353), New Zealand (1,137), Vietnam (271), Brunei (138), Guam (145), Cambodia (122), French Polynesia (58), Mongolia (40), Lao (19), Fiji (18), New Caledonia (18), Northern Mariana Islands (14), Papua New Guinea (8)

• 153,868 confirmed cases (1,096 new cases reported in past 24 hrs)

• 6,287 deaths (29 new deaths reported in past 24 hrs)

EUROPEAN REGION

Spain (218,011 total cases confirmed), Italy (211,938), United Kingdom (190,588), Germany (163,860), Russia (155,370), France (130,0242), Turkey (127,659), Belgium (50,267), the Netherlands (40,770), Switzerland (29,898), Portugal (25,524), Sweden (22,721), Ireland (21,722), Belarus (17,489), Israel (16,237), Austria (15,621), Poland (14,006), Romania (13,512), Ukraine (12,697), Denmark (9,670), Serbia (9,557), Norway (7,847), Czech Republic (7,819), Finland (5,327), Moldova (4,248), Kazakhstan (4,160), Luxembourg (3,828), Hungary (3,065), Greece (2,632), Armenia (2,619), Uzbekistan (2,189), Croatia (2,101), Azerbaijan (1,984), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1,926), Iceland (1,799), Estonia (1,703), Bulgaria (1,652), North Macedonia (1,518), Slovenia (1,439), Lithuania (1,419), Slovakia (1,413), Latvia (896), Cyprus (874), Kosovo (855), Kyrgyzstan (843), Albania (803), Andorra (751), Georgia (604), San Martin (582), Malta (480), Montenegro (323), Isle of Man (321), Jersey (292), Guernsey (252), Tajikistan (230), Faroe Islands (187), Gibraltar (144), Monaco (95), Lichtenstein (83), Greenland (11), Holy See (11).

• 1,566,684 confirmed cases (22,539 new cases reported in past 24 hrs)

• 145,602 deaths (1,615 new deaths reported in past 24 hrs)

SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION

India (46,433 total cases confirmed), Indonesia (11,587), Bangladesh (10,143), Thailand (2,988), Sri Lanka (718), Maldives (545), Myanmar (161), Nepal (82), Timor-Leste (24), Bhutan (7)



EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Iran (98,647 total cases confirmed), Saudi Arabia (28,656), Pakistan (21,501), Qatar (16,191), United Arab Emirates (14,730), Egypt (6,813), Kuwait (5,278), Morocco (5,053), Bahrain (3,533), Oman (2,735), Afghanistan (2,469), Iraq (2,346), Djibouti (1,116), Tunisia (1,018), Somalia (756), Lebanon (740), Sudan (678), Palestine (532), Jordan (465), Libya (63), Syria (44), Yemen (12)



REGION OF THE AMERICAS

United States (1,154,985 total cases confirmed), Brazil (101,147), Canada (59,844), Peru (45,928), Ecuador (31,881), Mexico (23,471), Chile (20,643), Dominican Republic (8,235), Colombia (7,668), Panamá (7,197), Argentina (4,799), Puerto Rico (1,843), Cuba (1,668), Bolivia (1,594), Honduras (1,055), Costa Rica (739), Guatemala (703), Uruguay (655), El Salvador (555), Jamaica (469), Paraguay (396), Venezuela (357), Martinique (181), Guadeloupe (152), French Guiana (133), Trinidad and Tobago (116), Bermuda (115), Aruba (100), Haiti (88), Bahamas (83), Barbados (82), Guyana (82), Sint Maarten (76), Cayman Islands (74), United States Virgin Islands (66), Saint Martin (38), Antigua and Barbuda (25), Grenada (21), Belize (18), Saint Lucia (18), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (17), Curaçao (16), Dominica (16), Nicaragua (15), Saint Kitts and Nevis (15), Falkland Islands


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(13), Turks and Caicos Islands (12), Montserrat (11), Suriname (10), Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (6), British Virgin Islands (6), Saint Barthélemy (6), Anguilla (3), Saint Pierre and Miquelon (1)

• 1,477,447 confirmed cases (43,691 new cases reported in past 24 hrs)

• 79,590 deaths (1,763 new deaths reported in past 24 hrs)

AFRICAN REGION

South Africa (7,220 total cases confirmed), Algeria (4,648), Nigeria (2,802), Ghana (2,719), Cameroon (2,077), Guinea (1,710), Ivory Coast (1,432), Senegal (1,271), Niger (755), Mayotte (686), Democratic Republic of Congo (682), Burkina Faso (672), Mali (580), Kenya (490), Tanzania (480), Réunion (424), Gabon (367), Mauritius (332), Equatorial Guinea (315), Guinea-Bissau (292), Rwanda (261), Republic of Congo (236), Sierra Leone (178), Liberia (166), Cabo Verde (165), São Tomé and Príncipe (161), Madagascar (158), Ethiopia (140), Zambia (137), Togo (126), Chad (117), Eswatini (116), Benin (96), Central African Republic (94), Uganda (89), Mozambique (80), South Sudan (49), Malawi (41), Eritrea (39), Angola (35), Zimbabwe (34), Botswana (23), Burundi (19), Gambia (17), Namibia (16), Seychelles (11), Mauritania (8), Comoros (4)


• 1,112deaths (27 new deaths reported in past 24 hrs)

UPDATES AND TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Measures adopted by the local governments are evolving quickly and are typically effective immediately. Depending on the further evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, local authorities are likely to modify the list of countries whose travellers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question, and such modifications are likely to occur at very short notice. At this time, MS Risk advises individuals to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travellers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

AFRICA Botswana 5 May - On Tuesday, Prime Minister Thabane announced that the government will begin easing lockdown measures, which have been imposed since 29 March. From 6 May, all non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen. Public services and state companies are also permitted to resume operations. In addition, tertiary institutions and schools will gradually resume. Churches may conduct services with a maximum of 50 people. Public transport operators have been urged to strictly observe reduced passenger loads and are expected to operate between 06:00 - 10:00 and from 15:00 - 18:00. Lesotho’s borders with South Africa remain closed, though cargo transportation is allowed. As of 6 May, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide. 1 May - Authorities have announced that the use of face masks in public has been made mandatory with immediate effect nationwide in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Individuals who do not respect the measures will be subject to fines. Burkina Faso 4 May - On Monday, Burkinabé authorities announced in a decree that the ban on travel between cities, imposed since 20 April, will be lifted with immediate effect to stimulate the country’s economy. The decree further disclosed that all religious institutions will be allowed to reopen as of 10 May, although certain ceremonies will not be allowed. As of 5 May, movement throughout the country is prohibited between 21:00 - 04:00 and land and air borders remain closed to all but freight traffic, though internal flights are expected to resume. All bars, restaurants, markets and schools remain closed while some public gatherings continue to be prohibited. The use of face masks is mandatory in public places nationwide. Cameroon 30 April - The Cameroonian government has announced that it has partially relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in place as of 30 April. According to reports, the decision was made after a high number of reported patient recoveries from COVID-19 and a relatively low mortality rate in the country. Authorities have announced that bars, restaurants and leisure facilities will be allowed to extend their closing time after 18:00 with immediate effect as of 30 April. Customers and users of these e3stablishements must continue to respect and adhere to


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social distancing measures, including respecting barriers in place and wearing face masks. Public transport, including buses, taxis and mototaxis, are continuing operations as normal, though they must adhere to social distancing measures by only allowing the mandatory number of passengers on board and they must ensure that all passengers wear face masks. Comoros 30 April - On Thursday, President Assoumani confirmed the country’s first COVID-19 case. Reports suggest that the patient is a 50-year-old French-Comorian resident. The president is currently in isolation in hospital and authorities have begun tracing individuals that he has or may have been in contact with. On 24 April, President Assoumani signed a decree implementing a curfew between the hours of 20:00 and 05:00 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This curfew remains in place. During the Ramadan period, mosques are also closed. All international flights remain suspended until further notice and maritime traffic is restricted. Lesotho is now the only remaining African country that has not reported any COVID-19 cases. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 1 May - As of Monday, the wearing of face masks in public will be mandatory across Lubumbashi - notably in stores, markets, public transport and public service offices. Local authorities have disclosed that individuals who do not respect the measures will be subject to a 5,000 CFA France (USD $8) fine. The first COVID-19 case was reported in the area on 24 April. 1 May - On 1 May, President Akufo-Addo announced the extension of the closure of the country’s international borders through 31 May. The measure also affects international commercial flights, which will not operate during this period. The government disclosed that the extension was necessary in order to prevent the import of further COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile the Aviation Minister has also announced that domestic flights in Ghana will resume from 1 May. Authorities added that precautionary measures, such as safe distancing between passengers, will be in place to ensure the safety of passengers and operators. Health screenings are mandatory for crewmembers before a flight, and more personal protective equipment (PPE) is being acquisitioned for port health officials and ground handling personnel. Equatorial Guinea 2 May - The government of Equatorial Guinea has extended the country’s state of health emergency until 15 May. As such, the free movement of individuals and vehicles between districts remains banned to all but essential services for the duration of the state of emergency. Individuals are to remain in their place of residence at all times, though exceptions are made for essential reasons such as for medical care and purchasing essential goods. Full lockdowns will remain in place in the country’s two largest cities - Malabo (Bioko Norte province) and Bata (Litoral province). Furthermore, all facilities except for supermarkets and hospitals are to remain closed. The use of face masks and gloves is mandatory in all public spaces and anyone not complying with the new measure is liable to be sanctioned by the authorities. Ghana 1 May - On Friday, President Akufo-Addo announced the extension of the closure of the country’s international borders through 31 May. The measure also affects international commercial flights, which will not operate during this period. The government disclosed that the extension was necessary in order to prevent the import of further COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile the Aviation Minister has also announced that domestic flights in Ghana will resume from 1 May. Authorities added that precautionary measures, such as safe distancing between passengers, will be in place to ensure the safety of passengers and operators. Health screenings are mandatory for crewmembers before a flight, and more personal protective equipment (PPE) is being acquisitioned for port health officials and ground handling personnel. Ivory Coast 1 May - On Friday, Ivorian authorities announced the extension of the ongoing state of emergency and nationwide curfew until 15 May. During the curfew, individuals are not permitted to leave their place of residence between 21:00 and 05:00. The use of protective face masks is mandatory in all public places nationwide. Those who do not comply with the new measure are liable to be sanctioned by the authorities.


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Malawi 28 April - For the second time in a fortnight, the Malawi High Court has stopped the government from implementing a lockdown as one way of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The court was due to rule on Wednesday on whether to extend an existing injunction against the lockdown. That legal action was brought by Human Rights Defenders Coalition, who had warned that the poor were at greatest risk since no food rations were being offered by the government. Religious groups also sought an injunction of their own, stating that the lockdown was a violation of religious freedom. The Court has now ruled that the planned lockdown must wait until a higher court, the Supreme Court, makes a ruling on several constitutional questions that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Madagascar 2 May - On Saturday, Malagasy authorities announced the extension of the country’s sanitary state of emergency until 17 May. Media sources have indicated that this decision comes after an increase of the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, which has been partly attributed to widespread non-compliance with current social distancing measures. Malagasy President Rajoelina had begun easing lockdown measures in the cities of Antananarivo, Toamasina and Fianarantsoa on 20 April following the reported successful domestic testing of a remedy for the virus, against the advice of the WHO, which stated that there is currently no cure for COVID-19. Under the current state of emergency, air traffic remains suspended until further notice, face mask use in public places is mandatory and travel is allowed between 06:00 and 13:00 except within the cities of Tananarive and Tamatave. Professional activities are allowed from 04:00 to 13:00 nationwide. Mauritius 2 May - Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth has announced the extension of the ongoing nationwide curfew until 1 June. Under the current curfew orders, individuals can only leave their homes after 20:00 with a permit. Additionally, the PM announced that as of 15 May, certain businesses such as hardware stores, fish markets and bakeries will be allowed to reopen as lockdown measures are gradually relaxed to reopen the economy. Businesses willing to reopen from 15 May must apply online for a government permit, which will be issued by the police. Until 15 May, only essential services, such as hospital, pharmacies, police and banks will remain open. Schools will remain closed until 1 August. Mayotte 5 May - Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday that Mayotte, an overseas department and region of France, will postpone the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that are currently in place. The PM announced that the measures would be extended indefinitely due to the saturation of the hospital system, which is already limited due to dengue fever. An overnight curfew remains in effect in Mayotte from 20:00 - 05:00. All travel through the territory is prohibited except for individuals working in essential services. Other restrictions are also in place, including a ban on gatherings of more than two people. Health authorities raised the COVID-19 pandemic alert level to 2 (second highest level) on 24 March, advising individuals to limit contact with other people and to stay home. As of 5 May, foreign nationals remain banned from entering the overseas territory. Mozambique 30 April - On Thursday, President Felipe Nyusi announced a 30-day extension to the state of emergency, which will now be in place until 30 May. Namibia 4 May - Air Namibia has announced that it will resume domestic flights from 6 May amidst an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Flights from Windhoek Eros Airport will commence to Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz, Ondangwa, Oranjemund and Walvis Bay. Pre-flight mandatory temperature testing will be introduced on all services and passengers are required to wear face masks throughout the flight. Regional and international services remain suspended. 30 April - President Geingob announced on Thursday that the country will begin to gradually reopen from 5 May, entering the second stage of lockdown measures introduced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In this stage, domestic travel between regions and within cities and towns will be allowed and several businesses will be allowed to reopen, including shopping malls, retail stores, restaurants, hair dressers and barbers. These businesses however will be subject to health and hygiene measures. During stage 2 of the lockdown, which is expected to last through 1 June, foreign nationals will remain banned from entering the country. Namibian


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citizens will be permitted to return to the country but will be subject to health screenings and a mandatory 14-day supervised quarantine period. All individuals will be required to wear face masks in public places. Niger 4 May - On Monday, authorities extended a suspension of all international commercial flights until 23 May. A ban on movement into and out of the capital Niamey remains in place until at least 23 May. As of 6 May, a nationwide curfew between 21:00 - 06:00 remains in place and the wearing of face masks is mandatory in public spaces. The nationwide health state of emergency will remain in place until 11 July. Nigeria 4 May - On Monday, the Nigerian government announced that the 24-hour stay-at-home-order in place in Abuja and Lagos would be lifted over a period of six weeks. Selected businesses and offices are allowed to open from 09:00 - 18:00 as long as they decontaminate workspaces and ensure that social distancing and hygiene measures are enforced. The wearing of face masks in public is mandatory while restrictions on social and religious gatherings remain in place. Schools and restaurants remain closed until further notice. All inter-state passenger travel will be banned until further notice. An overnight curfew from 22:00 - 06:00 will take effect nationwide from 4 May and all movements are prohibited during this period except for essential services. 4 May - The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Adiodun, announced on Monday that the lockdown would be extended in the state until 9 May. The governor disclosed that the measures would be relaxed between 6 - 8 May. A curfew between 20:00 - 06:00 remains in place and religious gatherings remain banned. Spaces such as bars, gyms, clubs and spas also remain closed. 30 April - The Nigerian government has announced the reopening of government offices and banks starting on 4 May. The presidential task force for COVID-19 stated that the reopening is part of the phased easing of lockdown in the capital Abuja , and the commercial city of Lagos and Ogun state. The government offices will have staffers of specific grades return in the first phase so as to avoid crowded office space. Banks will open from 08:00 - 14:00 and will follow set guidelines to ensure social distancing. The co-ordinator of the task force Sani Aliyu disclosed that schools will remain closed and restaurants will only offer take outs. Public transport has been allowed to operate between 06:00 - 18:00 local time and manufacturers and construction sites have also been allowed to resume operations though with a limited number of workers. President Buhari has set 4 May as the date for easing restrictions in the major cities that have been on a four-week lockdown. The easing of restrictions will be phased over six-weeks and shall be coordinated by the presidential task force. Republic of Congo 30 April - President Nguesso addressed the nation on Thursday to announce that the current COVID-19 restrictions will be in place until 15 May. Lockdown measures, including advice to stay at home for all but essential purposes will also remain in place. President Nguesso also announced that it would now be compulsory for people to wear masks in public places. An overnight curfew between 20:00 - 05:00 remains in place. Only individuals who provide essential goods and services will be exempt from the curfew. Additionally, security personnel will be deployed to enforce the restrictions. All places of worship, schools, bars and restaurants will remain closed. All land, air and maritime borders will remain closed until at least 10 May, except for cargo flights and vessels. Rwanda 1 May - The Rwandan government has announced plans to partially ease strict measures imposed six weeks ago to stop the spread of COVID-19. A highly awaited government announcement disclosed that restrictions will be lifted from 4 May, though some measures will be maintained. A curfew will be enforced from 20:00 - 05:00. All schools will remain closed until September and border crossings will remain closed except for cargo and returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents. Markets will reopen at half capacity, while hotels and restaurants will close by 19:00 local time. Sports facilities, gyms, bars, places of worship will remain closed, though individual sporting activities are allowed in open spaces. Commuters will also have to adhere to social distancing in public transport, though travel across provinces is not permitted. São Tomé and Príncipe 5 May - On Tuesday, São Toméan authorities announced the extension of the country’s state of emergency until 16 May. The extension comes after a recently reported increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.


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Senegal 3 May - On Sunday, President Macky Sall announced that the current state of emergency will be extended through 2 June. The declaration gives authorities the power to regulate the movement of goods, people and gatherings, as well as close public places and introduce entry bans. A nationwide curfew between 20:00 - 06:00 will remain in place for the duration of the state of emergency. Public gatherings, collective prayers and inter-city travel have also been suspended. The use of face masks in public places is mandatory. As of early May, the country’s borders remain closed though cargo transportation is allowed. All international flights to and from Senegal remain suspended. Domestic flights between Blaise Diagne International airport and Ziguinchor airport, cargo flights, medical evacuations and specially authorized flights are exempt from the restriction. Tunisia 29 April - Tunisia’s Health Minister Abdelatif el-Makki has disclosed that the country has controlled the “first wave” of its COVID-19 outbreak. To date, the North African country has had 40 deaths and less than 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases. It now plans to ease its lockdown. Parts of its food and construction sectors will be allowed to reopen as of the first week of May and half of the government’s employees will go back to work. Uganda 4 May - On Monday, President Museveni announced a 14-day extension to the ongoing nationwide lockdown as well as the easing of restrictions. Certain businesses will be allowed to reopen, including hardware shops, mechanic workshops, metal and wood workshops, and insurance companies. Restaurants are permitted to open but only for takeaway orders. Authorities’ have also authorized only 30 layers to operate nationwide at any one time. Additionally, it is now mandatory to wear a mask in public as a precautionary measure. Private and public transport as well as schools remain suspended. Individuals travelling to work will need to take buses chartered by their employees, cycle or walk to their workplace. A curfew from 19:00 - 06:30 is in effect and gatherings of more than five people are banned. 29 April - All lorry drivers crossing over the border into Uganda will not be allowed to carry passengers in their vehicles or to sleep in hotels or other people’s homes as part of new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. President Museveni made the announcement after more than twenty drivers entering the country from Kenya tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier this week, mandatory COVID-19 testing for lorry drivers began, causing huge traffic jams on the border between Kenya and Uganda. The route from the Kenyan port city of Mombasa is vital for transporting food, medicine and other essential goods to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the eastern region of the DRC. President Museveni stated that stopping cargo traffic altogether would be suicidal. He also spoke out against growing hostility towards truck drivers by some Ugandans who worry that they could be transmitting the disease. He however did acknowledge that the group poses a real threat. Zimbabwe 4 May - As of Monday, the Zimbabwean government has indicated that wearing a face mask in public spaces will be mandatory. Police forces have been instructed to arrest anyone found violating the measure. 1 May - The Zimbabwean government announced on Friday a 14-day extension of the current lockdown that was set to end on 3 May. Authorities have exempted the manufacturing and mining industries in order to support the economy as well as state and health employees. President Mnangagwa also stated on Friday that the extension was necessary because the conditions to allow for the restrictions in place to be lifted had not been met.

ASIA China 4 May - On Monday, Chinese authorities announced that all passengers on China Airlines flights from Moscow to Beijing will be required to provide negative COVID-19 tests within 120 hours before boarding. The measure will come into effect as of 8 May. The move follows Russia’s highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases to date, with 10,633 new cases reported on 3 May. 1 May - On Friday, authorities announced that lockdown measures would be eased in Hubei province form 2 May. Authorities also reduced the COVID-19 response level from the highest to the second-highest level, and control measures will be adjusted accordingly. The decision came after the detection of no new COVID-19 cases in Hubei province on 30 April. 29 April - Media reports indicated on Wednesday that Beijing authorities will relax COVID-19 travel restrictions as soon as 30 April. Travel restrictions on domestic travellers will be eased, with the requirement to undergo a 14-day quarantine being lifted for individuals arriving in Beijing from elsewhere in China. Exceptions to the


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relaxed measures include travellers arriving from high-risk zones, such as Heilongjiang province and some parts of Guangdong province. Authorities also disclosed on Wednesday that parliament will commence its annual session on 22 May as planned, indicating that the Chinese government is likely to continue easing COVID-19 restrictions. India 2 May - On Saturday, Indian authorities extended the suspension of international and domestic flights until 23:59 17 May. During this period, all existing bans on trains and interstate travel will remain in place with the exception for cargo transport and flights approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). 1 May - The Indian government announced on Friday a 14-day extension of the current lockdown as of 4 May. Authorities have stated that there would be certain relaxations of measures to allow for economic activity in districts marked as organ and green zones in the government’s plan to contain COVID-19. Red zones, including Mumbai and New Delhi, will remain under the ongoing strict lockdown restrictions. Nepal 29 April - Several residents were injured as security forces in Nawalparasi, province No. 5, enforced COVID-19 restrictions on Wednesday evening. Three residents were reportedly injured in the incident, which occurred in the Palhi Nandan municipality. A security forces’ spokesperson claimed that security operations were taking place in the area and residents attacked the security personnel. Philippines 2 May - The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has announced that all commercial flights to and from the Philippines will be suspended as of 08:00 on 3 May due to concerns over returning nationals spreading COVID-19 and due to limited capacity in the country’s quarantine facilities. The flights will be suspended for one week. Thailand 3 May - The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced on Sunday that it will give permission for more airports to operate special international flights daily from 07:00 - 19:00 following airport closures. All international airports, including Krabi, Chian Mai, Chian Rai, Samui, Surat Thani, Hat Yai and Hua Hin, are permitted to handle special status international flights, including flights for repatriating foreigners and returning Thai nationals. Phuket International Airport will remain closed until 15 May, but will allow repatriation flights to operate. All other commercial international flights will remain suspended. 29 April - On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnirakul announced that the restrictions would be relaxed starting from 4 May. Many businesses will be allowed to reopen, including restaurants not located in department stores or shopping centres, public and private parks, hair salons and barbershops, golf courses and driving ranges, sports venues for running, tennis and badminton, markets, clinics and pet grooming businesses. All such businesses however will be required to follow strict procedures to limit the spread of COVID-19 exposure, including customers being subjected to temperature screenings at restaurants, queuing at businesses will be banned in favour of reservations, and many employees will be required to wear face masks and gloves. A strict 2 m distance must be maintained in public, which precludes sporting activities such as football and basketball from taking place in parks.

EUROPE Albania 30 April - Albanian authorities have announced an extension to the current state of emergency through 23 June. On 23 April, parliament disclosed that the rights of movement, gatherings and work guaranteed by the constitution would be limited to an extend as they were considered necessary for achieving the protection of people’s health. As of 30 April, Albania’s sea and land borders remain closed to commercial travel. France 5 May - As of Monday 11 May, face masks will be compulsory in select public spaces and journeys of more than 100 km (62 miles) from an individual’s home will be prohibited except for professional or exceptional personal reasons. Public transportation will resume at a reduced capacity with strict social distancing rules in places. Businesses will be permitted to reopen with the exception of bars and cafés. A state of emergency will remain in place until 24 July.


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Ireland 1 May - Irish authorities announced on Friday the extension of lockdown measures until 18 May. Additionally, the government has now allowed individuals to travel up to 5 km (3.1 miles) away from their homes, instead of the previous 2 km (1.2 miles) limit. People over 70-years-old will be allowed to leave their residence for isolated exercise as of 5 May. The government is currently planning for a phased lifting of the lockdown after 18 May, comprising of five three-week stages, gradually relaxing measures until August. However, these plans are subject to change depending on the possible rise of confirmed cases through each stage. Norway 2 May - In a further relaxation of measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Norwegian government will allow gatherings of up to 50 people in public places from 7 May. At present, restrictions limit the number of people allowed to gather to five. All events will need to meet certain conditions, including participants who are not members of the same household maintaining a one-meter distance from each other and organizers being responsible for keeping records of those present at the event. When announcing the change in restrictions, the country’s health minister disclosed that if there is no worrying surge in infection in the coming months, the government would consider raising the maximum number of people to 200. The announcement of gatherings comes ahead of Norway’s National Day celebrations on 17 May. Further guidelines for related events are expected to be announced in the coming days. Spain 3 May - Spain has announced that as of 4 May, the wearing of face masks will be compulsory on public transportation nationwide. Prime Minister Sanchez stated that millions of masks will be distributed to local authorities and at public transport hubs. The current state of emergency remains in place until 9 May. Turkey 4 May - As of Monday, certain travel restrictions that had been imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be gradually relaxed through May, June and July. Additionally, inter-city travel bans in seven provinces (Mugla, Erzurum, Aydin, Hatay, Mersin, Malatya and Antalya) will be lifted as of 4 May, though restrictions for Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and 24 other provinces will remain in place. President Erdogan has announced that from this weekend, individuals over 65 and under 20-years-old will be allowed to go out once a week for four hours. From 11 May, barber shops, shopping centres, and small shops will be allowed to reopen as long as they implement safety measures.

MIDDLE EAST Afghanistan 2 May - On Saturday, authorities extended the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown until 24 May. Lockdown measures in Kabul include a ban on inter-city travel, a reduction of all non-essential services, and the closure of non-essential businesses and public spaces. Individuals have also been asked not to venture outside. Government employees and those working in the health, food, telecommunications, and media industries are exempted from the restrictions, along with those shopping for basic necessities. Lockdown measures vary on a province-to-province basis, though are generally based on the Kabul model. Iraq 3 May - On Sunday, the crisis cell responsible for Kirkuk province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic announced that it was imposing a full lockdown on the province from 4 - 9 May. Under the lockdown, entry into and exit out of the province will be prohibited, except for medical and media personnel. A 24-hour curfew will be in place and official working hours will be suspended. 28 April - On Wednesday, the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety announced that the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 curfew hours will be extended following a lack of compliance. The announcement of the extension comes as a step back from an easing of lockdown measures during the holy month of Ramadan. Effective immediately, curfew hours are from Sunday through Thursday at 18:00 - 06:00 while on Friday and Saturday a 24-hour curfew will remain in place. Authorities have also announced new fines for those who do not respect the measures. Drivers of public transportation vehicles carrying more than 3 passengers and/or where passengers do no wear face masks will be subject to a 50,000 dinar fine. Individuals who fail to wear face masks in public will be fined 10,000 dinars. Shop owners that allow more than one customer per every five square meters of space in stores are subject to a 100,000 dinar fine.


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Jordan 4 May - Authorities have announced that they will lift all restrictions on economic activity as part of the country’s latest measure to easing the ongoing lockdown from 6 May. The government has been gradually relaxing restrictions over the past two weeks, allowing businesses to go back to work but with lower levels of staff, as well as social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Businesses will be permitted to reopen at full production capacity provided that Jordanians comprise at least 75% of employees in the company. Additionally, public transport will be allowed to resume but at 50% seating capacity. The government has lifted restrictions on driving, and individuals can use their vehicles from 08:00 - 18:00 nationwide, however an overnight curfew remain in place. A 24-hour curfew is in effect on every Friday during the holy month of Ramadan. Universities and schools will remain closed as a precautionary measure. Restaurants and cafes are allowed to operate however they can only provide delivery services. Public swimming pools, sports clubs, places of worship, wedding halls and other places of entertainment remain shut. 29 April - On Thursday, Jordanian authorities announced that curfews in Aljoun, Jerash and Madaba would be relaxed. Residents in the three governorates are now at liberty to operate their vehicles from 08:00 - 18:00, though those under the age of 16 and over 60 are not permitted to travel in cars. Authorities also relaxed measures in Amman on 27 April and in Aqaba on 19 April, signalling that the government is making efforts to normalize the economy and daily life. In Amman, the same vehicle operation conditions apply while transportation and taxi services will resume with capacity restrictions and will require passengers to wear face masks and gloves. Select businesses are now permitted to open, including barber shops, beauty parlours and dry cleaners, amongst others. An overnight curfew as of 18:00 remains in place through the holy month of Ramadan until 23 May. Lebanon 5 May - On Tuesday, Lebanese authorities extended COVID-19 lockdown measures until 24 May. Under the lockdown, measures include a nationwide travel ban and overnight curfew, prohibiting non-essential movement between 21:00 - 05:00. At present, non-essential businesses remain closed. Additionally, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport remains closed, along with all ports and land borders. Alternating vehicle traffic controls remain in place until 10 May - cars are only permitted on the road based on an odd/even license plate format and no vehicles are permitted to circulate on Sunday. The only exempt vehicles are those operated by security forces, medical staff, pharmacists, diplomats and those working in other essential sectors. There is also a limit of three passengers in one car including the driver. All individuals over the age of 65 are required to remain at home. 4 May - Lebanese authorities announced the second stage of lockdown easing to begin from Monday, with the reopening of seaside corniches and promenades, restaurants and hair salons. These measures come following a ban which has been in place since 15 March. According to reports, individuals will be able to go for walks along the coastal promenades providing that they continue following social distancing measures including wearing face masks and maintaining safe distances. Further, restaurants will be able to resume operations until 21:00 though shisha/hookah services are prohibited. Barbers and hair salons are also permitted to reopen for individuals with pre-booked appointments. Yemen 5 May - Authorities in Houthi-held northern Yemen have confirmed the territory’s first COVID-19 case - A Somali national who was found dead in a Sanaa hotel. The internationally recognized government in the southern region of the country has reported nine new infections. Yemen, one of the last countries to declare COVID-19 cases, confirmed its first on 10 April. It now has reported 21 cases including 3 deaths in territory held by the Aden-based government and one case, which was also a death, in areas under Houthi control.

THE AMERICAS (NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH) Bahamas 27 April - The Bahamas Government has announced an extension of its emergency powers and restrictions until 30 May 2020. Under the state of emergency, all non-essential businesses are temporarily closed, while markets, banks, pharmacies, gas stations and other businesses will operate on reduced hours. Some major hotels and other tourist facilities have suspended their operations while all sporting events, large gatherings, banquets and receptions are prohibited. Public bus transportation and non-essential boat travel have also been suspended.


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Brazil 4 May – Local authorities in São Luís (Maranhão state) announced on Monday that the city will enter a lockdown as of 5 May until 14 May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown will cover São Luís and three neighbouring cities in Maranhão state. All individua’s are required to stay at home for the duration of the lockdown and may only leave for essential tasks, such as purchasing groceries and visiting the pharmacy. Most businesses are closed while schools and public transport have been suspended. Additionally, parks are also shut and residents are not allowed to exercise outside. 4 May - Authorities in Fortaleza (Cearã state) will impose restrictive measures from 8 May, allowing residents to only leave their home for essentials. Cearã Governor Camilo Santana disclosed that the social isolation decree in the state will be extended for another 15 days until 20 May as a precautionary measure. Roadblocks will be placed at entrances into the city. 4 May - The governor of São Paulo, the most affected state in the pandemic, has announced that he would seek to gradually reopen the state by 11 May, though specific details have not been announced. Under the current measures, non-essential businesses remain closed and residents are required to remain at home unless they need essential goods and services. The measures are currently in place until 10 May. As of 7 May it will be mandatory to wear a face mask across the state. Bolivia 29 April - Bolivia’s government announced the extension of the current nationwide lockdown, which will now be in place through 10 May. Beginning on Monday 11 May, the government will relax stay-at-home orders in parts of the country minimally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing some individuals to return to work. Colombia 6 May - Colombian President Duque has extended the nationwide quarantine until 31 May. During a televised address on 5 May, President Duque disclosed that some measures will be relaxed from 11 May and the country will gradually reopen. Some sectors of the economy, including industrial and retail, will be able to resume operations from 11 May. Manufacturing and construction have already been allowed to return to work. Children between the ages of 6 - 17 will also be allowed to participate in outdoor activities for 30 minutes, three days a week, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and social distancing measures are followed. President Duque also announced that municipalities without confirmed COVID-19 cases will be allowed to begin re-opening. However, large events remain banned and bars and clubs continue to be closed. Only one person per family will be allowed to shop for essential items or carry out financial transactions. Individuals are required to wear masks in stores, banks and on public transport while restaurants will only be allowed to provide deliveries. All land and sea borders remain shut and the country’s airports are closed to international traffic until 31 May. Peru 3 May - Peruvian government has announced a four-phase plan to reopen its economy. Each phase will be rolled out on a monthly basis, with the first phase beginning sometime in May, the second in June, the third in July and the last in August. The mining, construction, commerce, tourism and services including take-out service at restaurants are set to resume in the first phase. The ministry of each sector will publish health protocols in the coming days as well as the date in which each will resume operations. The announcement comes despite reports of high COVID-19 deaths and case numbers.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

The following symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure:

• A cough

• A high temperature

• Shortness of breath

These symptoms however do not necessarily mean that you have the illness as they are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu. As the coronavirus is a new illness, medical officials do not know exactly how it spreads from person to person though similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Currently there is no specific treatment for coronavirus and no vaccine is available.

To avoid catching/spreading coronavirus, it is advised that you:


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• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• always wash your hands when you get home or into work

• use hand sanitizer gel if soap and water are not available

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards

• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

If you are experiencing fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

SELF-ISOLATION

If there is a chance that you have coronavirus, you will be asked to stay away from other people (self-isolate). This means that you should remain at home; not go to work, school or public places; not use public transport or taxis; ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you; try to avoid visitors at home. The self-isolation period lasts up to 14 days and aims to help reduce the possible spread of infection.


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ABOUT MS RISK

MS Risk is a privately-owned company domiciled in the Isle of Man. It is underwritten by a syndicate of Lloyd’s

of London for special risks case management in all jurisdictions. It also acts as retained advisors to syndicates in

the Lloyd’s of London specialty risk insurance markets: kidnap for ransom, extortion, hijack, illegal detention,

illegal war tax, malicious product tamper, terrorism, political and war risk.

MS Risk is always mindful and compliant to legislation and guidelines on the use of private security services

including, but not limited to the US FCPA (1977), UK Bribery Act (2010), Canadian Bill C-48 (2007), ASX 8

Corporate Governance Principles, and the World Bank/IFC Voluntary Principles on the Use of Government and

Private Security Forces. MS Risk is a signatory of the Swiss government’s International Code of Conduct. It is

transparent and compliant to market expectations on legal and ethical conduct in the performance of services.

MS Risk has a dedicated team of researchers, a 24/7 hotline service and a pool of trained and experienced

consultants to support client needs.

MS Risk supports clients in a variety of business sectors with the following services:

SECURITY CONSULTING

• Risk assessments and intelligence reporting

• Planning and management

• Due diligence and investigations

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Interim security

• Training

• Special assignments

CRISIS RESPONSE

• Crisis management

• Business continuity management

• Hostile operations support to commercial

interests

VIRTUAL SECURITY DIRECTOR SERVICE

• For clients lacking a full-time security

executive

References are always available.

More information is found at www.msrisk.com

24 HR CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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