LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 7 MAR 2019 MARCH 7, 2019

 

AMERICAS

Argentina

Today and tomorrow, travelers in urban centers, including Buenos Aires, should avoid all demonstrations related to an ongoing 72-hour strike by teachers. Yesterday, a large protest was held at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. While further demonstrations have not yet been announced, they are likely to take place in major public squares and outside government buildings. The CTERA and Conadu teachers’ unions have called the strike over wage-related issues.

Haiti

Today and tomorrow, travelers should minimize movement during planned antigovernment protests due to the credible risk of violence. Demonstrations to demand the resignation of President Jovenel Moise have occurred in Port-au-Prince and other urban centers since February 7. Associated gatherings have often involved roadblocks as well as clashes between protesters and security forces.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Benin

Travelers should anticipate and avoid further opposition gatherings ahead of the April 28 Legislative Elections. Tensions have increased after the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENA) rejected the application of candidacy of several opposition parties on March 5. A related demonstration took place in Cotonou on February 25. While the gathering passed off without incident, protesters clashed with police during a demonstration in Kilibo, near the Nigerian border, on the following day. Heightened security measures can be expected across major cities in the run-up to the elections.

Egypt

Today, travelers in Giza should anticipate heightened security and residual disruption along Ring Road in the al-Haram area following a shoot-out. According to local reports, at least three suspected militants were killed, and one security force officer was injured in the exchange following a raid on suspected hideouts. Additional security measures, including checkpoints and roadblocks, are likely across Giza and Cairo.

Malawi

Today and tomorrow, travelers in Lilongwe should avoid an ongoing protest near the Bingu International Conference Center. Yesterday, hundreds of demonstrators attempted to march to the State House in protest of violence targeting albino people but were stopped by a police blockade on the road. The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi, which is spearheading the protest, has vowed to continue its rallies, amid concerns that attacks on albino people may increase ahead of the General Elections in May. Malawi has experienced a rise in attacks targeting people with albinism over the past few years, with two murders and three abductions reported this year alone.

Seychelles

Today, travelers in Victoria should expect disruption to travel and business activity during a state funeral for former President France-Albert Rene. The former President’s coffin will be taken from State House to the People’s Stadium, for members of the public to pay their respects at 9:30 AM local time. After an inter-faith service at the stadium at 2:30 PM local time, the procession will move to the Mont Fleuri Cemetery for a burial service.

Somalia

Today, travelers in Mogadishu should continue to avoid the vicinity of the Presidential Palace following the explosion of car bomb near a security force checkpoint at the nearby National Theater. At least two people have been killed, and several others injured in the attack, which has been claimed by the militant Islamist al-Shabab group. A security operation is under way, and the area remains cordoned off.

South Sudan

There is a measles outbreak in South Sudan. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. The illness can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure they are fully immunized against measles.

Sudan

Today, travelers are advised to plan journeys avoiding demonstrations in Omdurman due to the risk of unrest. Supporters of the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) plan to rally at several key points throughout the city at 1:00 PM local time. The event is being held in support of women’s rights and comes a day ahead of International Women’s Day.

Yemen

Yemen is currently experiencing the largest cholera outbreak to date. Cholera is consistently present in the country and is spread via contaminated food and water. Symptoms include vomiting and profuse, watery diarrhea which can lead to severe dehydration. Travelers staying in quality accommodations with access to safe water and food are at low risk. Travelers should pay strict attention to hygiene and consider vaccination.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Afghanistan

Today, travelers in Kabul should reconfirm the feasibility of movement following an attack against a procession in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Police District 13. Multiple mortars reportedly fell in the vicinity of the gathering, which was being held to commemorate the death anniversary of Shia Hazara leader Abdul Ali Mazari. According to unconfirmed reports, at least one civilian was killed, and 17 others were injured.

China

On March 10 and 31, travelers in Hong Kong should avoid planned protests against a proposed extradition agreement with China as a precaution and to minimize local disruption. Activists will demonstrate on March 10 at the Hong Kong Liaison Office, while on March 31, a march will take place at 3:00 PM local time from the Southorn Playground to Government House. Travelers should plan routes bypassing affected locations.

India

Today, travelers in Jammu should continue to avoid the General Bus Stand area following a grenade attack at around 12:00-12:15 PM local time. There are conflicting reports as to whether the grenade exploded inside or outside a bus; however, at least 28 people have been injured, many of them bus drivers and conductors. Authorities have cordoned off the blast site and launched an investigation. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Indonesia

Today and tomorrow, travelers in Bali should expect significant disruption to travel, telecommunication, and commercial services during the Hindu festival of Nyepi. The festival will be observed for 24 hours beginning at 6:00 AM local time today. Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) will cease operations during this period; only emergency landings will be permitted. Roads and ports, such as Benoa, Celukan Bawang, Gilimanuk and Padangbai, are expected to be closed.

Kyrgyzstan

Tomorrow, travelers in Bishkek should plan routes bypassing a rally coinciding with International Women’s Day. Participants will gather at 10:00 AM local time at Cinema Russia and march along Chuy Avenue towards Revolution Militants Square.

Pakistan

On March 5, limited flight operations resumed at Multan International (MUX), Turbat International (TUK), Gwadar International (GWD), Chitral (CJL), and Panjgur (PJG) airports. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said that only limited domestic operations would resume at the latter four airports. According to the PCAA, the country’s airspace will remain closed for all other operations through 1:00 PM local time today. Travelers planning air travel to, from, and within the country should reconfirm flight schedules.

Philippines

An outbreak of measles is underway across the country. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Measles can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure that they are fully immunized against measles.

Thailand

Today, travelers in Bangkok should plan journeys bypassing the Constitutional Court. The court is due to deliver a verdict at around 3:00 PM local time on the potential dissolution of the Thai Raksa Chart (TRC) party. The TRC is accused of undermining the constitutional monarchy by nominating Princess Ubolratana as its Prime Ministerial candidate. Around 1,200 police personnel have been deployed around the court premises. Any demonstrations by TRC supporters are liable to be forcibly dispersed. An outbreak of chikungunya has been reported in Thailand. Chikungunya can cause a severe illness, particularly in newborn babies, older adults, and people with underlying health issues. There is no specific treatment and no vaccine. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

EUROPE

Albania

Today and tomorrow, travelers in Tirana should avoid all rallies related to the Balkan Summit, which will be attended by regional leaders. Today, a demonstration will be held at Skanderbeg Square to call for the release of self-declared Kosovo Liberation Army militants arrested in 2015 in Kumanovo. A proposed “land swap” deal between Kosovo and Serbia will reportedly be discussed at the summit; this emotive issue has previously sparked rallies.

Italy

Tomorrow, passengers of Alitalia should reconfirm flights and expect delays after the airline canceled at least 20 flights due to a proposed nationwide general strike.

Norway

Cases of salmonella have been reported in several counties. The source of the outbreak is yet to be identified, although a drying exotic fruit mix is suspected to have caused the infections. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea, usually between 12 and 72 hours after exposure. Occasionally severe illness can occur. Travelers should prevent infection by selecting safe food and following food safety practices when preparing food for consumption.

Russia

On March 10, travelers in Moscow should plan routes avoiding a rally taking place at 2:00 PM local time on Sakharov Avenue. The gathering, which has been approved by authorities, is being organized by the opposition Libertarian Party of Russia to denounce the so-called “sovereign internet” legislation. The protest is likely to be well attended.

Spain

Today, travelers in Madrid should avoid a demonstration at 12:00 PM local time in front of the Madrid Assembly building in protest of alleged exposure of Madrid Metro employees to asbestos. The protest will be accompanied by a metro workers’ strike from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM local time.

United Kingdom

Today, British Airways announced the suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia because of heightened security concerns in the region, following discussions between the airline and the UK Department for Transportation. Passengers of British Airways traveling to Saudi Arabia should reconfirm flights and consider alternate arrangements.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

March 7
Indonesia: Bali’s Day of Silence and Hindu New Year Nepal: Gyalpo Losar

March 8
International Women’s Day Albania, North Macedonia: Mothers’ Day Azerbaijan: Women’s Day Bosnia & Herzegovina: Mothers’ Day Belarus: Women’s Day China: Zhonghe Festival Colombia: Women´s Day Germany: Reformation Day Eritrea: Women’s Day Nigeria: Women’s Day Nepal: Nari Dibas El Salvador: Women’s Day Syria: Revolution Day Turkmenistan: Turkmen Woman’s Day Taiwan: Women’s Day

March 9
Belize: National Heroes and Benefactors Day Ecuador: Special Working Day (compensation for Carnival Monday) Lebanon: Teachers’ Day

March 11
Australia: Labor Day Australia: Adelaide Cup Australia: Canberra Day Belize: Day Off for National Heroes and Benefactors Day Canada: Commonwealth Day Cyprus, Greece: Green Monday Gibraltar: Commonwealth Day
Lesotho: Moshoeshoe’s Birthday Lithuania: Independence Day/National Day New Zealand: Taranaki Anniversary Day Turks & Caicos, Tuvalu, British Virgin Islands: Commonwealth Day
March 12
China: Arbor Day Mauritius: National Day Zambia: Youth Day

March 13
Liberia: Decoration Day Holy See:
Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis

March 14
Andorra: Constitution Day Albania:
Summer Day St Vincent & the Grenadines: National Heroes Day

March 15
Belarus: Constitution Day Hungary:
1848 Revolution Memorial Day Liberia: J. J.
Roberts Birthday Palau: Youth Day

March 16
Ecuador: Special working day
(compensation for Carnival Tuesday)

March 17
Bangladesh: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday Canada,
Ireland, Montserrat, United Kingdom, United States:
St. Patrick’s Day United States: Evacuation Day

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