INTELLIGENCE UPDATE Coronavirus Pandemic – April 13, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS CURRENT SITUATION │3 Travel and Health Advisory │3 Infections and Deaths by Territory and Country │4 U.S. Government Measures │7 Work Cancellations│8 Medical Services│8 Travel Restrictions and Stay at Home Orders│9 National/State of Emergency│10
Global Measures │10 Argentina│10 Barbados│10 Brazil│10 Canada│11 Chile│11 Colombia│11 Costa Rica│11 Ecuador│12 El Salvador│12 Guatemala│12 Mexico│12 Nicaragua│13 Paraguay│13 Peru│13 Puerto Rico│13 Saint Lucia│14 Trinidad and Tobago│14 Uruguay│14
Virus Factsheet │14
BUSINESS RISKS │15 Business Continuity│15 Security Response Benchmarking │16
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELERS │16 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES │17 EMERGENCY CONTACTS │18 Disclaimer: This report was prepared for the exclusive use of the recipient. It may contain proprietary, confidential information of either the recipient or G4S Corporate Risk Services (CRS) and is not intended for public disclosure. Any dissemination or reproduction of the report is governed by the applicable contract or letter of agreement between the recipient and CRS. Any disclosures outside of the contract terms must be authorized in writing by CRS. The findings in this report are based on information provided by the recipient and information to which CRS was provided access. CRS does not assume any responsibility or liability for the failure to detect, identify or make known any additional hazards, threats or areas of risk beyond what is identified in the report. Additionally, CRS makes no representations or warranties with respect to the recipient’s use of the report nor to any third party relating to information contained in this report.
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CURRENT SITUATION As of April 13, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate. The global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States has the largest number of confirmed cases of any country, more than the next three worst-affected countries combined. New York (190,288) remains the worst-affected state, followed by New Jersey (61,850) and Massachusetts (25,475). Given the unevenness of testing on a state-by-state basis, however, an accurate picture of the geographic spread and prevalence of infection remains difficult to determine. Social distancing measures are showing early signs that they are working. However, owing to a lack of testing and other factors, such conclusions are tentative. The World Health Organization and senior U.S. government experts have cautioned that a “second wave” of infections could be sparked if national and local governments prematurely lift stay-at-home restrictions. U.S. national security agencies have warned that domestic violent extremist groups may potentially exploit the COVID-19 pandemic by committing hate crimes, acts of violence, or attempt to intentionally spread the virus. Security agencies have cautioned that racially and ethnically-motivated hate groups, extremist militias and others pose a heightened threat to those who belong to religious and racial minority groups, as well as businesses operated by members of minority groups that have remained open. Other potential targets include essential and populated businesses and public institutions, such as grocery stores and hospitals. Highlights: ▪
As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, April 13, there were 1,860,011 confirmed global cases and 114,983 deaths. Infections have been recorded in 185 countries and territories.
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New York continues to be the epicenter in the United States, accounting for 34% of all recorded infections in the country and 42% of deaths. Over the past week, the state has continued to register record numbers of daily deaths.
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In the past week, federal authorities have stepped up efforts to secure medical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). On April 8, the first contract for the production of ventilators under the Defense Production Act (DPA) was agreed with General Motors, as announced by the Department of Health and Human Services. The contract stipulates that by Aug. 2020, 30,000 ventilators will be delivered to the Strategic National Stockpile, of which 6,132 may be delivered by June 1. A second contract under the DPA was announced with Philips for the delivery of 2,500 ventilators by the end of May and 43,000 by the end of Dec. 2020.
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At least 45 U.S. states have ordered residents to stay home, shelter in place or some variation thereof. Cities and counties in several other states have announced similar orders restricting the non-essential movement of people outside of the home. States that have stay at home orders due to expire this week are expected to extend their end dates.
Travel and Health Advisory U.S. government agencies maintain strict travel advisories. ▪
On March 19, the U.S. Department of State announced a global Level 4, Do Not Travel, advisory for all international countries and territories. It advises that those currently overseas attempt to depart using commercial means, if possible. For those who stay, it advises following CDC guidelines and limiting movement outside the home.
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The CDC has issued a Level 3 alert, recommending the avoidance of non-essential travel to all global destinations. Carefully considering the risk of travel within the United States, especially to areas with high rates of infection, has also been advised.
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▪
On March 28, the CDC issued its first domestic travel advisory for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Residents of these states have been advised to avoid non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. Exceptions have been made for employees of critical infrastructure industries (see advisory list of critical infrastructure employees here).
The WHO risk assessment in Situation Report 83 published April 12 is as follows: Global: Very High. To prevent transmission of the virus, the CDC has advised all Americans to wear cloth masks when outside of the home in public settings where social distancing measures are hard to maintain. If cloth masks are not available, the CDC has recommended the use of improvised DIY face coverings using household items or made from common materials (see guidance here).
Infections and Deaths by Territory and Country The table below shows the latest number of confirmed cases of infection and death tied to the coronavirus by country, area and territory. Figure – Table of Infections and Deaths by Country, Area and Territory Coronavirus Infection Numbers – 8 a.m. April 13 ET Total Confirmed Infections: 1,860,011 Deaths: 114,983 Recovered: 438,516 Total Countries, Areas and Territories with Confirmed Infections: 185 Country/Area/Territory
Infected/Deaths
Country/Area/Territory
Infected/Deaths
United States
557,590; 22,109 dead
Kyrgyzstan
419; 5 dead
Spain
169,496; 17,489 dead
Honduras
397; 25 dead
Italy
156,363; 19,899 dead
Taiwan
393; 6 dead
France
133,672; 14,412 dead
Jordan
389; 7 dead
Germany
127,854; 3,022 dead
Malta
384; 3 dead
United Kingdom
85,212; 10,629 dead
San Marino
356; 35 dead
China
83,213; 3,345 dead
Bolivia
330; 27 dead
Iran
71,686; 4,474 dead
Mauritius
324; 9 dead
Turkey
56,956; 1,198 dead
Nigeria
323; 10 dead
Belgium
30,589; 3,903 dead
Senegal
291; 2 dead
Netherlands
25,746; 2,747 dead
West Bank and Gaza
290; 2 dead
Switzerland
25,503; 1,117 dead
Kosovo
283; 7 dead
Canada
24,380; 717 dead
Montenegro
273; 3 dead
Brazil
22,318; 1,230 dead
Georgia
266; 3 dead
Russia
18,328; 148 dead
Vietnam
262; 0 dead
Portugal
16,585; 504 dead
Guinea
250; 0 dead
Austria
13,974; 368 dead
Congo (Kinshasa)
235; 20 dead
Israel
11,235; 110 dead
Djibouti
214; 2 dead
South Korea
10,537; 217 dead
Sri Lanka
214; 7 dead
Sweden
10,483; 899 dead
Kenya
197; 8 dead
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Ireland
9,655; 334 dead
Venezuela
181; 9 dead
India
9,240; 331 dead
Guatemala
155; 5 dead
Peru
7,519; 193 dead
Paraguay
147; 6 dead
Ecuador
7,466; 333 dead
El Salvador
137; 6 dead
Japan
7,370; 123 dead
Brunei
136; 1 dead
Chile
7,213; 80 dead
Rwanda
126; 0 dead
Poland
6,674; 232 dead
Cambodia
122; 0 dead
Romania
6,633; 318 dead
Trinidad and Tobago
113; 8 dead
Norway
6,525; 128 dead
Madagascar
106; 0 dead
Denmark
6,369; 273 dead
Mali
105; 9 dead
Australia
6,351; 61 dead
Monaco
93; 1 dead
Czech Republic
5,991; 139 dead
Liechtenstein
79; 1 dead
Pakistan
5,374; 93 dead
Togo
76; 3 dead
Philippines
4,932; 315 dead
Ethiopia
74; 3 dead
Malaysia
4,817; 77 dead
Jamaica
72; 4 dead
Mexico
4,661; 296 dead
Barbados
71; 4 dead
Indonesia
4,557; 399 dead
Congo (Brazzaville)
60; 5 dead
Saudi Arabia
4,462; 59 dead
Gabon
57; 1 dead
United Arab Emirates
4,123; 22 dead
Uganda
54; 0 dead
Serbia
3,630; 80 dead
Liberia
50; 5 dead
Panama
3,400; 87 dead
Bahamas
47; 8 dead
Luxembourg
3,281; 66 dead
Tanzania
46; 3 dead
Qatar
3,231; 7 dead
Guyana
45; 6 dead
Ukraine
3,102; 93 dead
Zambia
43; 2 dead
Finland
3,064; 56 dead
Burma
41; 4 dead
Dominican Republic
2,967; 173 dead
Guinea-Bissau
38; 0 dead
Colombia
2,776; 109 dead
Benin
35; 1 dead
Thailand
2,579; 40 dead
Eritrea
34; 0 dead
Belarus
2,578; 26 dead
Haiti
33; 3 dead
Singapore
2,532; 8 dead
Libya
25; 1 dead
Argentina
2,208; 95 dead
Somalia
25; 2 dead
South Africa
2,173; 25 dead
Syria
25; 2 dead
Greece
2,114; 98 dead
Antigua and Barbuda
23; 2 dead
Egypt
2,065; 159 dead
Equatorial Guinea
21; 0 dead
Algeria
1,914; 293 dead
Mozambique
21; 0 dead
Morocco
1,746; 120 dead
Maldives
20; 0 dead
Iceland
1,701; 8 dead
Angola
19; 2 dead
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Moldova
1,662; 33 dead
Laos
19; 0 dead
Croatia
1,600; 23 dead
Sudan
19; 2 dead
Hungary
1,458; 109 dead
Chad
18; 0 dead
Iraq
1,352; 76 dead
Mongolia
17; 0 dead
New Zealand
1,349; 5 dead
Dominica
16; 0 dead
Bahrain
1,348; 6 dead
Fiji
16; 0 dead
Estonia
1,332; 27 dead
Namibia
16; 0 dead
Kuwait
1,300; 2 dead
Saint Lucia
15; 0 dead
Slovenia
1,212; 55 dead
Belize
14; 2 dead
Azerbaijan
1,098; 11 dead
Eswatini
14; 0 dead
Lithuania
1,062; 24 dead
Grenada
14; 0 dead
Armenia
1,039; 14 dead
Nepal
14; 0 dead
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1,030; 39 dead
Zimbabwe
14; 3 dead
Kazakhstan
979; 12 dead
Botswana
13; 1 dead
Uzbekistan
896; 4 dead
Malawi
13; 2 dead
North Macedonia
828; 34 dead
Saint Kitts and Nevis
12; 0 dead
Cameroon
820; 12 dead
Bangladesh
803; 39 dead
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Central African Republic
Slovakia
742; 2 dead
Seychelles
11; 0 dead
Oman
727; 4 dead
Cabo Verde
10; 1 dead
Tunisia
707; 31 dead
Sierra Leone
10; 0 dead
Bulgaria
676; 31 dead
Suriname
10; 1 dead
Cuba
669; 18 dead
Gambia
9; 1 dead
Latvia
653; 5 dead
Nicaragua
9; 1 dead
Andorra
638; 29 dead
Holy See
8; 0 dead
Cyprus
633; 11 dead
Mauritania
7; 1 dead
Lebanon
632; 20 dead
Western Sahara
6; 0 dead
Afghanistan
607; 19 dead
Bhutan
5; 0 dead
Costa Rica
595; 3 dead
Burundi
5; 0 dead
Cote d'Ivoire
574; 5 dead
Sao Tome and Principe
4; 0 dead
Ghana
566; 8 dead
South Sudan
4; 0 dead
Niger
529; 12 dead
Timor-Leste
4; 0 dead
Burkina Faso
497; 27 dead
Papua New Guinea
2; 0 dead
Uruguay
480; 8 dead
Yemen
1; 0 dead
Albania
467; 23 dead
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The map and chart below show the location of confirmed cases of infection and death tied to the coronavirus. Figure – Map and Chart of Confirmed Global Cases of COVID-19
Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE)
U.S. Government Measures Confirmed cases of infection have been recorded across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C. On March 6, the U.S. government announced the allocation of $8.3 billion to combat the epidemic, and preventive measures are continuing to escalate. A $2.2 trillion rescue package, intended to provide support to U.S. workers, businesses, the healthcare system and state and local governments, was approved by Congress on March 27. Social distancing measures remain in place in most
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states, although such mitigation strategies have been introduced unevenly across the country. In general, the state of epidemic response varies from state to state and county to county. Clients are advised to research their own areas of operation and residence to ascertain the most accurate and up-to-date information. Work Cancellations ▪
Adjustments and cancellations to normal school schedules are widespread throughout the United States. Many schools and colleges have announced that the remainder of the semester will be taught online.
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As of the week of April 13, most restaurants, movie theaters, bars, gyms and other public venues have been instructed to close in most states. Most businesses have been advised to remain shut until at least the end of April.
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An increasing number of state authorities are encouraging or ordering businesses, institutions and organizations to let “non-essential” employees work remotely from home. As with other epidemic countermeasures, these may vary significantly from place to place, and clients are advised to research their own locations.
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A growing number of employers have introduced work from home arrangements for “non-essential staff.”
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Senior government officials have tentatively stated that there could be a gradual reopening of some parts of the economy in May. As part of the plan to reopen the economy, federal authorities are exploring the use of immunity cards for those who have recovered following infection and can safely return to work.
Medical Services ▪
Most medical services across the country are currently operating normally with few signs of strained capacity, except for some cases in badly hit areas, such as New York City and New Jersey. Many states are rapidly stepping up efforts to acquire ventilators and other vital medical equipment amid fears of a shortage to deal with expected demand.
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Many hospitals are starting to adjust their epidemic preparedness and response plans to take into account a potential heightened need for specialized equipment and the possibility of outsourcing patient services to off-site facilities, among other measures.
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Several states have been, or are, setting up drive-thru testing sites offering screening services.
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In badly affected New York City, five emergency field hospitals are being constructed in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, with a combined capacity of more than 4,000 beds. The USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship equipped with 1,000 beds and 12 operating rooms, arrived in New York on March 30. Another Navy hospital ship, the USNS Mercy, arrived in Los Angeles on March 27 to provide emergency services.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to construct up to 341 temporary hospitals around the country.
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Government authorities from badly affected states such as New York, Louisiana, Illinois and others have reported low supplies of critical medical equipment, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE).
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In the past week, federal authorities have stepped up efforts to secure medical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). On April 8, the first contract for the production of ventilators
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under the Defense Production Act (DPA) was agreed with General Motors, as announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contract stipulates that by August 2020 30,000 ventilators will be delivered to the Strategic National Stockpile, of which 6,132 may be delivered by June 1. A second contract under the DPA was announced with Philips for the delivery of 2,500 ventilators by the end of May and 43,000 by the end of December 2020. On April 8, HHS also announced it had reached an agreement with DuPont to deliver 450,000 TYVEK® protective suits for healthcare workers within the week, 2.25 million suits within the next five weeks and an option for additional deliveries in the future. ▪
On April 10, HHS announced the initial delivery of $30 billion in relief funds to hospitals and healthcare providers to assist with coronavirus-related expenses and to fund patient testing and treatment.
Travel Restrictions and Stay at Home Orders ▪
On March 19, the U.S. Department of State announced a global Level 4, Do Not Travel, advisory for all international countries and territories. It advises that those currently overseas attempt to depart using commercial means, if possible. For those who stay, it advises following CDC guidelines and limiting movement outside the home.
▪
The CDC has issued a Level 3 alert, recommending the avoidance of non-essential travel to all global destinations. Carefully considering the risk of travel within the United States, especially to areas with high rates of infection, has also been advised.
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On March 28, the CDC issued its first domestic travel advisory for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Residents of these states have been advised to avoid non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. Exceptions have been made for employees of critical infrastructure industries (see advisory list of critical infrastructure employees here).
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From March 13, the United States introduced a 30-day ban on travelers from Europe, except for returning U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, diplomatic and official travelers, air and sea crew members, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children, and certain other categories of travelers. On March 16, the ban was extended to cover the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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As of March 21, all non-essential travel across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders has been temporarily banned for at least 30 days. Trade, commerce, medical and education related travel will be permitted to continue across the border. U.S. citizens, permanent residents and those with work permits will be exempt from the ban.
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At least 45 states have ordered residents to stay home, shelter in place, or some variation thereof (see a list here). Cities and counties in several other states have announced similar orders. Similar to lockdown measures taken in China, Italy and Spain, these orders generally place restrictions on the free movement of people outside of the home. There are exceptions for those working essential jobs and for collecting critical supplies, such as groceries and medicine.
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States are introducing measures at airports and state borders to screen travelers from badly affected states, such as New York. In addition, at least 19 states have mandated that out of state and returning travelers from badly affected states are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
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A growing number of U.S. companies have cancelled all international business travel for their employees.
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National/State of Emergency â–Ş
On March 13, the President of the United States declared a national emergency. All U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia have declared a state of emergency. The National Guard has deployed more than 11,400 troops across the nation.
Global Measures Preventive measures taken by the international community also continue to escalate. Argentina Current situation: 2,208 confirmed cases and 95 deaths have been reported. A mandatory nationwide quarantine has been extended until April 27. All individuals are required to remain at home unless going out to purchase basic goods. Only bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies, public and private hospitals, and service stations will be allowed to operate. Police officers will be deployed to enforce the quarantine. Infection locations: Most confirmed cases have been recorded in Buenos Aires, although all regions have been affected. Travel restrictions: On April 1, the government reopened its borders to Argentine nationals and residents in Argentina only. Borders will remain closed for foreign nationals and non-residents until April 27. All scheduled international flights have also been suspended. Barbados Current situation: 71 confirmed cases and four deaths have been reported. A public health emergency was declared on March 26. There is a 24-hour curfew in effect until at least May 3. Residents will be allowed to leave their homes for essential services according to a schedule based on their surnames. Infection locations: Cases have been confirmed in the capital of Bridgetown. Travel restrictions: From April 1 to April 14, Barbados’ airspace will be closed to international commercial passenger flights between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. All persons arriving in Barbados arriving from China, South Korea, the U.S., the U.K., or Europe will be placed under a 14-day quarantine. Brazil Current situation: 22,318 confirmed cases and 1,230 deaths have been reported. No national quarantine is in effect in Brazil. Several states have implemented restrictions for their residents. For example, Sao Paulo has asked non-essential businesses to close and for residents to remain at home when possible, though it has not required the restriction of movement outright. In addition, the governor of Sao Paulo implemented a 15-day quarantine in the state starting March 24 for 15 days. The state of Rio de Janeiro closed all schools as of March 16, and the state of Sao Paulo will begin shutting schools down gradually. State-level authorities from several cities and states, including Rio de Janeiro and ParaĂba, have declared a state of emergency. Infection locations: The southeastern and northeastern parts of the country have the most confirmed cases of infection, with Sao Paulo being the worst-affected area. Travel restrictions: Effective 30 March, all foreign travelers are banned entry into Brazil for the next 30 days. All of Brazil's land borders are closed but exceptions are in place for essential cargo goods and humanitarian workers.
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Canada Current situation: 24,380 confirmed cases and 717 deaths have been reported. To help curb the spread of COVID-19, provincial governments have introduced a number of measures, including a ban on social gatherings. Authorities are urging people to stay at home where possible, and many businesses are closed. Infection locations: Cases have been confirmed in all of Canada’s provinces and territories, except for Nunavut. Ontario and Quebec are among the worst-affected provinces. Travel restrictions: As of April 8, most foreign nationals are prohibited from entering Canada, with certain exceptions. As of March 30, individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19 must be refused boarding on domestic flights and some inter-city train services. Canada announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act on March 26, which requires any person entering the country by air, sea or land to selfisolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of coronavirus. In addition, all of Canada’s provinces/territories have declared a state of emergency, which can permit restrictions or denial of entry to domestic travel. As of April 13, News Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island and Quebec have various local border restrictions in place. The land border between Canada and the United States closed on March 21 to all non-essential traffic for 30 days. This closure permits border crossings for cargo, trade, and healthcare workers. Chile Current situation: 7,213 confirmed cases and 80 deaths have been reported. Officials extended a stayat-home order in Chillán, Chillán Viejo, San Pedro de la Paz, Hualpén, Temuco, Padre Las Casas, Nueva Imperial, Osorno and Punta Arenas until April 16. A state of catastrophe went into effect on March 19 and will last for 90 days. A ban on public gatherings of more than 500 people and school closures remain in place. Infection locations: The overwhelming majority of cases have occurred in the Santiago metropolitan area, but all regions have been affected. Travel restrictions: The closure of Chilean land, sea and air borders for non-Chileans occurred on March 18. Colombia Current situation: 2,776 confirmed cases and 109 deaths have been reported. The Colombian government implemented a nationwide quarantine that will remain in place until at least April 27. In Bogota, genderbased movement regulations will be imposed in the capital until April 27. Only women will be allowed to go out on even-numbered days, while men will be permitted to do so on odd-numbered days. Regional authorities have been implementing further measures, such as curfews. Infection locations: Confirmed cases have occurred in Bogota, Buga, Medellin, and Cartagena, with additional suspected cases in other locations currently being investigated. Travel restrictions: Colombia’s land and sea borders are now closed, including the border with Ecuador. All domestic flight operations have been suspended from March 23 to April 13. All travelers from abroad, except for Colombian citizens and permanent residents, will be barred from entering Colombia until May 30. Colombia implemented an entry ban on all foreign travelers from abroad on March 16. All those entering the country from abroad are required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. Costa Rica Current situation: 595 confirmed cases and three deaths have been reported. Costa Rican authorities have announced a state of emergency. Restrictions on the use of private vehicles have been extended through April 30. Restaurants and food courts may remain open, though they may only seat 50 percent of 11 | Intelligence Update
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their defined capacity. Bars and beaches have been closed. All university classes have been suspended as of March 12. Infection locations: Positive cases have been confirmed in all seven of Costa Rica’s provinces. Travel restrictions: From March 18 to April 30, all borders are closed to foreign travelers. Citizens, residents and cargo operations will be permitted entry. Ecuador Current situation: 7,466 confirmed cases and 333 deaths have been reported. As of April 13, a tiered movement restriction scheme will be rolled out by province based on the number of coronavirus cases, in which each province will be labeled as either green, yellow or red. Each color will have a set of associated restrictions, which will outline movement restrictions in each province. Should the situation persist as at present, the Guayas, Pichincha, Los Rios, Azuay, Manabi, Canar and El Oro provinces will be classified red. Public gatherings and events are suspended through the end of May. Infection locations: Positive cases have been confirmed in all regions, with Guayaquil being the worstaffected. Travel restrictions: All international arrivals to Ecuador by air were suspended as of March 15. Land borders have also been closed following decisions from the Peruvian and Colombian authorities. Restrictions also apply to travel within Ecuador. One is only permitted to leave home to purchase food or medicine, or to go to and from work. El Salvador Current situation: 137 confirmed cases and six deaths have been reported. A mandatory 24/7 nationwide quarantine has been extended until May 6. The total lockdown applies to the entire population. The national Army and Police are enforcing these measures across the country. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been recorded in the San Salvador area. Travel restrictions: Borders are closed to non-residents and citizens. All citizens and residents arriving in El Salvador must remain in quarantine for 30 days. Guatemala Current situation: 155 confirmed cases and five deaths have been reported. A nationwide curfew is in effect until at least April 19. All movement will be restricted between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m. Exemptions will be made for essential personnel, including police, private security, medical professionals and food delivery drivers. Grocery stores will be closed during the above-mentioned hours. Schools are closed and all social gatherings of more than 100 persons have been suspended, including religious activities. Infection locations: Confirmed cases have been reported in Guatemala City. Travel restrictions: All domestic and international flights are suspended until April 30. Mexico Current situation: 4,661 confirmed cases and 296 deaths have been reported. A suspension on all nonessential activities in the public and private sector is in effect until April 30. Infection locations: Mexico City, the State of Mexico and Baja California are among the worst-hit areas.
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Travel restrictions: The land border between the United States and Mexico closed on March 21 to all nonessential traffic for 30 days. This closure applies primarily to tourism and recreational travel. Cargo, trade, and healthcare workers will still be able to cross the border. Nicaragua Current situation: Nine confirmed cases and one death have been reported. Few restrictions have been implemented in the country as of April 13, and gatherings have not been limited. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the country’s capital of Managua. Travel restrictions: All international flights have effectively been suspended. All international travelers with suspected cases of infection are subject to a 10-day quarantine. Paraguay Current situation: 147 confirmed cases and six deaths have been reported. Paraguayan authorities have declared a nationwide State of Sanitary Emergency and have banned all non-essential movement. Nationwide quarantine measures will remain in effect until April 19. All movement of vehicles and people is restricted from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., and the public has been instructed to stay at home. All social gatherings and work also have been suspended. Infection locations: Confirmed cases have been reported in Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Cordillera, Central, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones and Neembucu departments. Travel restrictions: Borders are closed for non-residents. On April 8, the Paraguayan government announced that all passenger flights have been suspended until April 19. All travelers are subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days. Peru Current situation: 7,519 confirmed cases and 193 deaths have been reported. A nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. will be in effect until April 26, except in Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Loreto, where the curfew will be in place from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been recorded in most, if not all, of Peru’s departments. Around half of all cases were confirmed in Lima. Travel restrictions: All borders are closed until April 26. Domestic travel by air is banned due to a state of emergency. Puerto Rico Current situation: 897 confirmed cases and 44 deaths have been reported. A state of emergency was declared on the island on March 12. An island-wide lockdown has been extended until at least May 3, with a curfew in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Infection locations: Confirmed cases have been recorded in all regions. Travel restrictions: All ports, ferries, and cruise services have been suspended. There is an entry ban for nearly all foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran and certain European countries, including the UK and Ireland, at any point within 14 days of their scheduled travel to the U.S.
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Saint Lucia Current situation: 15 confirmed cases and no deaths have been reported. The government of Saint Lucia announced a national state of emergency, effective March 23. A 10-hour curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be extended to remain in effect until April 26. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in several quarters. Travel restrictions: The government of Saint Lucia has closed all air, sea, and land borders to international arrivals. Cruise ships are not permitted to dock in Saint Lucia. Cargo operations are exempted. Trinidad and Tobago Current situation: 113 confirmed cases and eight deaths have been reported. Local authorities a stay-athome order for all non-essential workers until April 30. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in multiple regions and municipalities. Travel restrictions: As of April 13, borders remain closed and internal restrictions are in place. All airports and seaports are currently shut to inbound international vessels until further notice. There is an entry ban for all travelers, including Trinidad and Tobago citizens. Cargo operations are exempted. Uruguay Current situation: 480 confirmed cases and eight deaths have been reported. As of March 30, government authorities have asked residents to remain indoors as much as possible. Schools have been suspended indefinitely. Infection locations: Confirmed cases have been reported in Salto, Colonia, Soriano, Flores, Rio Negro, Paysandu, Artigas, Montevideo, Canelones, Lavalleja, Maldonado and Rocha departments. Travel restrictions: Entry by foreign travelers is prohibited by any means, with certain exceptions. In addition, there is a mandatory 14-day quarantine for passengers arriving from WHO declared risk or symptomatic countries, and those who have had contact with a coronavirus infected person. Direct flights to and from Europe and the United States have been suspended. The border with Argentina has been closed.
Virus Factsheet Key aspects of the novel coronavirus, or “2019nCoV,” are still relatively poorly understood. The following information is derived from WHO Situation Reports and other sources: ▪
Incubation Period: 1-14 days, but generally 3-7 days. Recent research by a Chinese team found that the incubation period could be as long as 24 days. The Hubei government has said the incubation period could be as long as 27 days, based on data from one case. According to the WHO, the median incubation period has been further refined to 5-6 days.
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Severity: Most people display relatively mild symptoms. Current estimates suggest that about 15% progress to severe disease with 3% becoming critical, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. The mortality rate for confirmed infections is about 2%, with some experts expecting this number to fall as milder cases are found. However, these preliminary estimations should be treated with caution. The mortality rate of seasonal flu is below 0.1%. According to a WHO statement on March 9, more than 70% of coronavirus cases in China have recovered.
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Transmissibility: The virus is human transmissible. Recent research supports asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread (i.e. those infected can transmit the virus before they have developed symptoms), and that the virus behaves similarly to the flu, although it spreads more efficiently. Preliminary data suggests that those infected are most contagious around the time that symptoms first appear rather than later stages of the disease. The reproduction number of the virus, expressed as “R0” (R-naught), which indicates how many additional infections will result from each infection, remains uncertain. In a disease with a value R-naught = 1 each infection would be expected to cause one additional infection; the WHO published an estimated R-naught of 1.4 to 2.5, although some teams have placed this number higher. o
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Routes of transmission are believed to include respiratory droplets and close physical contact. There is also evidence that the disease is transmissible via contact with contaminated surfaces, where the virus may survive for some time. There is little evidence of transmission via the fecal-oral route. There has been some misinformation that the virus may be able to spread long distances through the air. This is false.
Treatment: The only proven available treatment for the disease is standard supportive care. There is anecdotal evidence that anti-viral and AIDS drugs may be useful in treating patients, but these treatments have not yet been validated.
BUSINESS RISKS Business Continuity The coronavirus outbreak presents a heightened business risk environment for multinational corporations operating across the globe. The widespread introduction of quarantine measures and travel restrictions present a significant business continuity challenge for businesses dependent on person-to-person services and transactions, such as those operating in the tourism, hospitality, retail, retail-based financial services and banking sectors, among others. In addition, the closure of production facilities and travel bans are creating supply-chain challenges and logistical problems for the transfer of goods, equipment and the ability for employees to reach their places of work. Clients are advised to remain up to date with national and local regulations related to the crisis, and to note that measures adopted by national and local governments may not be uniform. On a broader level, the coronavirus pandemic continues to take a toll on global markets. There are mounting fears of a global recession despite recent efforts taken by various central banks to prop up the market and reassure investor confidence. In the United States, a $2.2 trillion rescue package was approved by the government on March 27. Other stimulus packages have been introduced or are currently under consideration in several other countries in an effort to assist hard-hit workers, businesses and healthcare systems. However, the economic impact of the virus is continuing to make its negative mark around the world. According to a recent report by the UN’s International Labor Organization, in the second quarter of 2020 the COVID-19 crisis is expected to result in a 6.7% reduction in working hours globally, equivalent to the loss of 195 million full-time workers. In March, more than 10 million filed for jobless claims in the United States, with every state experiencing a rise in layoffs. Whether planning to mitigate the heightened medical or business risk environment, companies — especially, but not limited to, those with a footprint in the worsthit countries — should prepare for the crisis and its potential negative effects to be felt for months rather than weeks. Overall, a lack of testing for new infection cases and antibody screenings for those who have recovered from infection are hampering plans to reopen the economy.
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Security Response Benchmarking Multinational firms are adopting various policies in response to the outbreak, including the following: ▪
Restricting all non-essential international travel.
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Allowing flexible working arrangements, including working from home.
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For employees returning from China, Europe and other badly affected countries, mandatory work from home for a set period, for example 14 days, to mitigate the risk of passing infection to other employees.
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Mandating that employees presenting flu-like symptoms obtain a diagnosis before returning to work.
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Some companies in badly affected countries have introduced controls at work, including carrying out fever checks on employees at entrances and restricting guest access to company premises.
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A large number of major multinational corporations and retailers have closed their offices, stores or suspended operations in countries experiencing a rapid uptick in infections, including the United States, Canada and Western Europe. These measures follows similar actions taken in badly hit Asian countries, such as mainland China and Hong Kong, some of which are gradually resuming operations.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELERS According to the CDC, travelers should avoid non-essential travel to all global destinations. Carefully considering the risk of travel within the United States, especially to areas with high rates of infection, has also been advised. If traveling, you are recommended to: ▪
Avoid contact with sick people.
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Discuss travel to with your health care provider. Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease.
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Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
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Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Those who have become ill during a 14-day period following travel should: ▪
Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
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Avoid contact with others.
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Do not travel while sick.
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Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing with a sleeve or tissue, not with the hands.
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Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES According to the CDC, businesses are recommended to: Actively encourage sick employees to stay home ▪
Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness should be recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
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Ensure that company sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies.
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If your company uses vendors/businesses who provide contract or temporary employees, talk with them about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop nonpunitive leave policies.
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Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way.
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Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual.
Separate sick employees ▪
Employees who appear to have symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should be instructed to cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).
Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees ▪
Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
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Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
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Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
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Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene.
Perform routine environmental cleaning ▪
Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.
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No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time.
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Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls and desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use.
Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps ▪
Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from China, and information for aircrew, can be found on the CDC website.
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Advise employees to check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel and notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
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Ensure employees who become sick while traveling or on temporary assignment understand that they should notify their supervisor and should promptly call a healthcare provider for advice if needed.
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If outside the United States, sick employees should follow your company’s policy for obtaining medical care or contact a healthcare provider or overseas medical assistance company to assist them with finding an appropriate healthcare provider in that country. A U.S. consular officer can help locate healthcare services. However, U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability and resources to evacuate or give medicines, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.
Additional measures in response to currently occurring sporadic importations of COVID-19 ▪
Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
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If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
In addition to these recommendations, the CDC advises businesses to create an Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan. Guidance and considerations for creating a plan can be found here.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS G4S Risk Operations Center For questions regarding this report or for immediate assistance, please call: ▪
G4S Risk Operations Center: (866) 604-1226
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Alternate Phone: (866) 943-8892
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