INTELLIGENCE UPDATE Coronavirus Pandemic – April 20, 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│12 Paraguay│13 Peru│13 Puerto Rico│13 Saint Lucia│13 Trinidad and Tobago│13 Uruguay│14
Virus Factsheet │14
BUSINESS RISKS │15 Business Continuity│15 Security Response Benchmarking │15
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELERS │16 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES │16 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 20, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate. This past week, confirmed global cases surpassed 2 million. New reported infection numbers have begun to plateau in some European countries and in some cases, such as Italy and Germany, have begun to fall. The United States, however, remains the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, with 759,786 confirmed cases compared to 557,590 on April 13, a 36% increase in cases for the week. New York (248,417) remains the worst-affected state, but a declining trend in recorded hospitalizations is tentatively encouraging. 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. This week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged global policymakers to keep lockdown measures in place to stop the spread of the virus so that normal economic activities can eventually restart. 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 20, there were 2,416,135 confirmed global cases and 165,939 deaths. This is up from 1,860,011 cases and 114,983 deaths reported on April 13. Infections have been recorded in 185 countries and territories.
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In a report published this week, the IMF has predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and a recession “far worse” than the 2008 financial crisis. Among other downside risks, it has warned that the economic fallout could result in renewed social unrest in some countries, especially those where government policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are considered to be insufficient, unfair or when such policies are withdrawn.
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In the United States, New York continues to be the epicenter, accounting for 33% of all recorded infections in the country and 45% of deaths. However, authorities believe the state has moved past its peak.
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A reported lack of testing for new cases of infection and antibody screenings for those who have recovered from infection are hampering plans to reopen most local and regional economies.
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This past week has witnessed a wave of anti-lockdown protests in several states, including Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia, among others. Thus far, the protests have ranged in size from dozens of protesters to a few thousand. While most have primarily involved ordinary citizens, in some locations there have been reports of the involvement of armed far-right groups. More protests are planned in several other states.
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
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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).
The WHO risk assessment in Situation Report 90 published April 19 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 20 ET Total Confirmed Infections: 2,416,135 Deaths: 165,939 Recovered: 632,983 Total Countries, Areas and Territories with Confirmed Infections: 185 Country/Area/Territory
Infected/Deaths
Country/Area/Territory
Infected/Deaths
United States
759,786; 40,683 dead
Guinea
579; 5 dead
Spain
200,210; 20,852 dead
Burkina Faso
576; 36 dead
Italy
178,972; 23,660 dead
Kyrgyzstan
568; 7 dead
France
154,098; 19,744 dead
Bolivia
564; 33 dead
Germany
145,743; 4,642 dead
Uruguay
528; 10 dead
United Kingdom
121,173; 16,095 dead
Kosovo
510; 12 dead
Turkey
86,306; 2,017 dead
Honduras
477; 46 dead
China
83,817; 4,636 dead
San Marino
461; 39 dead
Iran
83,505; 5,209 dead
West Bank and Gaza
449; 3 dead
Russia
47,121; 405 dead
Malta
431; 3 dead
Belgium
39,983; 5,828 dead
Taiwan*
422; 6 dead
Brazil
39,144; 2,484 dead
Jordan
417; 7 dead
Canada
36,039; 1,625 dead
Georgia
399; 4 dead
Netherlands
32,838; 3,697 dead
Senegal
377; 5 dead
Switzerland
27,944; 1,406 dead
Mauritius
328; 9 dead
Portugal
20,206; 714 dead
Congo (Kinshasa)
327; 25 dead
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India
17,615; 559 dead
Montenegro
311; 5 dead
Peru
15,628; 400 dead
Sri Lanka
303; 7 dead
Ireland
15,251; 610 dead
Guatemala
289; 7 dead
Austria
14,795; 470 dead
Kenya
270; 14 dead
Sweden
14,385; 1,540 dead
Vietnam
268; 0 dead
Israel
13,654; 173 dead
Venezuela
256; 9 dead
Japan
10,797; 236 dead
Mali
224; 14 dead
Korea, South
10,674; 236 dead
El Salvador
218; 7 dead
Chile
10,088; 133 dead
Paraguay
208; 8 dead
Ecuador
9,468; 474 dead
Jamaica
196; 5 dead
Poland
9,453; 362 dead
Tanzania
170; 7 dead
Saudi Arabia
9,362; 97 dead
Somalia
164; 7 dead
Romania
8,936; 460 dead
Rwanda
147; 0 dead
Pakistan
8,418; 176 dead
Congo (Brazzaville)
143; 6 dead
Mexico
8,261; 686 dead
Brunei
138; 1 dead
Singapore
8,014; 11 dead
Cambodia
122; 0 dead
Denmark
7,711; 355 dead
Madagascar
121; 0 dead
Norway
7,103; 165 dead
Trinidad and Tobago
114; 8 dead
Czech Republic
6,787; 188 dead
Burma
111; 5 dead
United Arab Emirates
6,781; 41 dead
Ethiopia
111; 3 dead
Indonesia
6,760; 590 dead
Gabon
109; 1 dead
Australia
6,547; 67 dead
Monaco
94; 3 dead
Philippines
6,459; 428 dead
Sudan
92; 12 dead
Serbia
6,318; 122 dead
Liberia
91; 8 dead
Ukraine
5,710; 151 dead
Togo
84; 5 dead
Qatar
5,448; 8 dead
Liechtenstein
81; 1 dead
Malaysia
5,425; 89 dead
Equatorial Guinea
79; 0 dead
Belarus
4,779; 47 dead
Barbados
75; 5 dead
Dominican Republic
4,680; 226 dead
Guyana
65; 7 dead
Panama
4,467; 126 dead
Cabo Verde
61; 1 dead
Finland
3,868; 94 dead
Zambia
61; 3 dead
Colombia
3,792; 179 dead
Bahamas
60; 9 dead
Luxembourg
3,550; 73 dead
Uganda
55; 0 dead
South Africa
3,158; 54 dead
Maldives
52; 0 dead
Egypt
3,144; 239 dead
Libya
51; 1 dead
Morocco
2,990; 143 dead
Guinea-Bissau
50; 0 dead
Bangladesh
2,948; 101 dead
Haiti
47; 3 dead
Argentina
2,941; 134 dead
Eritrea
39; 0 dead
Thailand
2,792; 47 dead
Mozambique
39; 0 dead
Algeria
2,629; 375 dead
Syria
39; 3 dead
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Moldova
2,472; 68 dead
Benin
35; 1 dead
Greece
2,235; 113 dead
Sierra Leone
35; 0 dead
Kuwait
1,995; 9 dead
Chad
33; 0 dead
Hungary
1,984; 199 dead
Mongolia
33; 0 dead
Bahrain
1,895; 7 dead
Nepal
31; 0 dead
Croatia
1,871; 47 dead
Zimbabwe
25; 3 dead
Iceland
1,771; 9 dead
Angola
24; 2 dead
Kazakhstan
1,757; 19 dead
Antigua and Barbuda
23; 3 dead
Uzbekistan
1,582; 5 dead
Eswatini
22; 1 dead
Iraq
1,539; 82 dead
Timor-Leste
22; 0 dead
Estonia
1,535; 40 dead
Botswana
20; 1 dead
New Zealand
1,440; 12 dead
Laos
19; 0 dead
Oman
1,410; 7 dead
Belize
18; 2 dead
Azerbaijan
1,398; 19 dead
Fiji
18; 0 dead
Armenia
1,339; 22 dead
Malawi
17; 2 dead
Slovenia
1,335; 77 dead
Dominica
16; 0 dead
Lithuania
1,326; 37 dead
Namibia
16; 0 dead
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1,309; 49 dead
Saint Kitts and Nevis
15; 0 dead
North Macedonia
1,225; 54 dead
Saint Lucia
15; 0 dead
Slovakia
1,161; 12 dead
Grenada
14; 0 dead
Ghana
1,042; 9 dead
Central African Republic
12; 0 dead
Cuba
1,035; 34 dead
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
12; 0 dead
Afghanistan
1,026; 33 dead
Seychelles
11; 0 dead
Cameroon
1,017; 42 dead
Gambia
10; 1 dead
Bulgaria
915; 43 dead
Nicaragua
10; 2 dead
Tunisia
879; 38 dead
Suriname
10; 1 dead
Cote d'Ivoire
847; 9 dead
Holy See
8; 0 dead
Djibouti
846; 2 dead
Mauritania
7; 1 dead
Cyprus
767; 12 dead
Papua New Guinea
7; 0 dead
Latvia
739; 5 dead
Western Sahara
6; 0 dead
Andorra
713; 36 dead
Bhutan
5; 0 dead
Lebanon
677; 21 dead
Burundi
5; 1 dead
Costa Rica
660; 5 dead
Sao Tome and Principe
4; 0 dead
Niger
648; 20 dead
South Sudan
4; 0 dead
Nigeria
627; 21 dead
Yemen
1; 0 dead
Albania
584; 26 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. This week the U.S. President unveiled a three-
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phase-program for state and local officials to implement to lift lockdown restrictions in areas with a downward trajectory of infection cases and strong testing. It is likely that efforts to lift restrictions will vary on a state-by-state basis and at differing speeds, with several governors announcing that they will only gradually ease restrictions after having increased rates of testing. Social distancing measures remain in place in most 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-todate 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 20, most restaurants, movie theaters, bars, gyms and other public venues remain closed 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. In some badly affected states, such as New York, some previously overwhelmed hospitals have reported that while the volume of patients is high, it is manageable. Many states are continuing to step 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 several states reported low supplies of diagnostic testing kits, critical medical equipment, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Federal authorities are continuing to ramp 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 (HHS). The contract stipulates that by August, 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. 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. Several other contracts have since been announced. In total, there are contracts in place to secure 41,000 ventilators by the end of May and more than 187,000 by year’s end.
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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.
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On April 16, the FDA announced that it has approved the production of a new type of nasal swab to speed up coronavirus testing.
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.
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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).
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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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All non-essential travel across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders has been temporarily banned. On April 18, the U.S. and Canada announced that non-essential travel across the U.S.Canada border will be extended to May 21. 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, which 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.
National/State of Emergency ▪
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 33,000 troops across the nation.
Global Measures Preventive measures taken by the international community also continue to escalate. Argentina Current situation: 2,941 confirmed cases and 134 deaths have been reported. A nationwide mandatory quarantine is in effect until April 27. Infection locations: Most confirmed cases have been recorded in Buenos Aires, although all regions have been affected. Travel restrictions: Borders will remain closed for foreign nationals and non-residents until April 27. All international flight operations have been suspended. Barbados Current situation: 75 confirmed cases and five deaths have been reported. A public health emergency was declared on March 26. A 24-hour curfew is in effect until at least May 3. Infection locations: Cases have been confirmed in the capital of Bridgetown. Travel restrictions: Barbados’ airspace will be closed to international commercial passenger flights through May 3. All persons arriving in Barbados will undergo a 14-day quarantine at a government administered facility. Brazil Current situation: 39,144 confirmed cases and 2,484 deaths have been reported. No national quarantine is in effect in Brazil; however, several states have implemented their own restrictions. Statewide quarantine and social distancing measures in Sao Paulo are in effect until May 10. Infection locations: The southeastern and northeastern parts of the country have the most confirmed cases of infection, with Sao Paulo being the most-affected state. Travel restrictions: As of March 30, all foreign travelers are barred entry into Brazil for the next 30 days. There are few exceptions. Brazil's land borders are closed to non-essential traffic.
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Canada Current situation: 36,039 confirmed cases and 1,625 deaths have been reported. Provincial governments have introduced a number of restrictive measures, including a ban on social gatherings. Authorities are urging the public to stay at home 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: Canada will require all air travelers to wear face masks beginning April 20. 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 intercity 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 self-isolate 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 20, New 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 will remained closed to nonessential traffic until May 21. The closure permits border crossings for cargo, trade and healthcare workers. Chile Current situation: 10,088 confirmed cases and 133 deaths have been reported. Stay-at-home measures are in effect in the northern part of Nunoa and in the western part of Puente Alto in Santiago’s metropolitan region, as well as in Chillan, Chillan Viejo, Temuco, Osorno and Punta Arenas until April 24. Similar measures have been imposed in El Bosque and in the northeastern part of San Bernardo, as well as in the urban area of Arica, also until April 24. Infection locations: The overwhelming majority of cases have occurred in the Santiago metropolitan area, but all regions have been affected. Travel restrictions: All borders are closed until April 24. Nationals and residents arriving from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Argentina, Bolivia or Peru are subject to a 14-day quarantine. Colombia Current situation: 3,792 confirmed cases and 179 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 until April 27, with women permitted to go out on evennumbered days, and men permitted to go out on odd-numbered days. Other regional authorities have implemented their own 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: All international travelers will be prohibited from entering the country until May 30. Colombia implemented an entry ban on all foreign travelers from abroad on March 16. Travelers entering the country from abroad are subject to a 14-day quarantine. Costa Rica Current situation: 660 confirmed cases and five deaths have been reported. Infection locations: Positive cases have been confirmed in all seven of Costa Rica’s provinces.
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Travel restrictions: Restrictions on the use of private vehicles and the closure of all air, land and maritime borders have been extended through April 30. Costa Rican citizens and residents are subject to a 14-day quarantine upon entry. Ecuador Current situation: 9,468 confirmed cases and 474 deaths have been reported. A nationwide curfew remains in effect from 2 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Infection locations: Positive cases have been confirmed in all regions, with Guayaquil being the mostaffected. Travel restrictions: All international arrivals to Ecuador by air have been suspended. Land borders have also been closed. In addition, there are restrictions in place for travel within Ecuador. El Salvador Current situation: 218 confirmed cases and seven deaths have been reported. A mandatory 24/7 nationwide quarantine is in effect until May 6. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been recorded in the San Salvador area. Travel restrictions: Borders are closed to non-residents and non-diplomats. All citizens/residents arriving in El Salvador must remain in quarantine for 30 days. Guatemala Current situation: 289 confirmed cases and seven deaths have been reported. A nationwide curfew is currently in effect until at least April 26. All movement is restricted between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. 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: 8,261 confirmed cases and 686 deaths have been reported. A suspension on all nonessential activities in the public and private sector is in effect until May 30. Infection locations: Mexico City, the State of Mexico and Baja California are among the most-affected areas. 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: 10 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported. As of April 20, few restrictions have been implemented in the country. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the country’s capital of Managua.
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Travel restrictions: Reports indicate that the Nicaraguan government has closed its borders. All international flights have been effectively suspended. All international travelers with suspected cases of infection are subject to a 10-day quarantine. Paraguay Current situation: 208 confirmed cases and eight deaths have been reported. Nationwide quarantine measures will remain in effect until April 26. 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. All international commercial and air travel is through April 26. All travelers must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Peru Current situation: 15,628 confirmed cases and 400 deaths have been reported. A nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. is 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: 1,213 confirmed cases and 62 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 United States. 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: 114 confirmed cases and eight deaths have been reported. A stay-at-home home order for all non-essential workers is in effect until April 30.
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Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in multiple regions and municipalities. Travel restrictions: The country’s borders remain closed until further notice and internal restrictions are in place. Uruguay Current situation: 528 confirmed cases and 10 deaths have been reported. Officials have urged people to wear face masks in public. 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: An entry ban for foreign travelers is currently in effect, with few exceptions. In addition, passengers arriving from WHO declared risk or symptomatic countries, and those who have had contact with a coronavirus infected person, are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. 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: More than 100 drugs are being tested for their effectiveness, but there has been no clear breakthrough in finding a treatment for the disease. This past week, a leaked report based on a U.S. clinical trial suggested that a drug developed by Gilead may speed up recovery, but experts
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have urged caution that these findings have not yet been validated. The only proven available treatment for the disease is standard supportive care.
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 recently released statistics, in the first quarter of 2020 China recorded a 6.8% drop in GDP, the country’s first contraction since the mid-1970s and a sign of the global economic challenges ahead. In a report published this week, the IMF has predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and a recession “far worse” than the 2008 financial crisis. Among other downside risks, it has warned that the economic fallout could result in renewed social unrest in some countries, especially those where government policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are considered to be insufficient, unfair or when such policies withdrawn. Whether planning to mitigate the heightened medical or business risk environment, companies — especially, but not limited to, those with a footprint in the worst-hit countries — should prepare for the crisis and its potential negative effects to be felt for months rather than weeks.
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
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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.
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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