INTELLIGENCE UPDATE Coronavirus Pandemic – April 6, 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│8 National/State of Emergency│9
Global Measures │9 Argentina│9 Barbados│10 Brazil│10 Canada│10 Chile│11 Colombia│11 Costa Rica│11 Ecuador│11 El Salvador│12 Guatemala│12 Mexico│12 Nicaragua│12 Paraguay│13 Peru│13 Puerto Rico│13 Saint Lucia│13 Trinidad and Tobago│14 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 6, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate and has passed over 1 million confirmed cases worldwide. Now the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States has the largest number of confirmed cases of any country, more than the next two worst-affected countries combined. New York (123,160) remains the worst-affected state, followed by New Jersey (37,505) and Michigan (15,718). California and Washington state, some of the first states to have introduced social distancing measures, are showing early signs that their respective infection curves are beginning to flatten, potentially confirming that such measures are working. However, owing to a lack of testing and other factors, such conclusions are tentative. The CDC has warned that sustained person-to-person infections are likely to continue across the United States. Senior U.S. government officials have made dire predictions about the coming week, warning of an escalation in the number of infections and deaths. Highlights: ▪
As of 9 a.m. ET on Monday, April 6, there were 1,288,372 confirmed global cases and 70,482 deaths. Infections have been recorded in 183 countries and territories.
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As the epicenter in the United States, New York now accounts for 36% of all recorded infections in the country and 43% of deaths.
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At least 39 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. Approximately 315 million Americans are currently subject to these directives.
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The governors of several badly affected states, including New York, Louisiana and Illinois, have reported that hospitals are running out of critical medical equipment, such as ventilators, testing supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
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 75 published April 5 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).
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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 Outbreak Infection Numbers – 9 a.m. April 6 ET Total Confirmed Infections: 1,288,372 Deaths: 70,482 Recovered: 270,249 Total Countries, Areas and Territories with Confirmed Infections: 183 Country/Area/Territory
Infected/Deaths
Country/Area/Territory
Infected/Deaths
United States
337,933; 9,653 dead
San Marino
266; 32 dead
Spain
135,032; 13,055 dead
Cote d’Ivoire
261; 3 dead
Italy
128,948; 15,887 dead
West Bank and Gaza
252; 1 dead
Germany
100,132; 1,584 dead
Vietnam
245; 0 dead
France
93,780; 8,093 dead
Malta
241; 0 dead
China
82,665; 3,335 dead
Nigeria
232; 5 dead
Iran
60,500; 3,739 dead
Mauritius
227; 7 dead
United Kingdom
48,451; 4,943 dead
Senegal
226; 2 dead
Turkey
27,069; 574 dead
Montenegro
223; 2 dead
Switzerland
21,652; 734 dead
Kyrgyzstan
216; 4 dead
Belgium
20,814; 1,632 dead
Ghana
214; 5 dead
Netherlands
18,917; 1,874 dead
Georgia
188; 2 dead
Canada
15,940; 281 dead
Niger
184; 10 dead
Austria
12,162; 220 dead
Bolivia
183; 11 dead
Portugal
11,730; 311 dead
Sri Lanka
176; 5 dead
Brazil
11,281; 487 dead
Venezuela
159; 7 dead
South Korea
10,284; 186 dead
Congo (Kinshasa)
154; 18 dead
Israel
8,611; 51 dead
Kosovo
145; 1 dead
Sweden
6,830; 401 dead
Kenya
142; 4 dead
Russia
6,343; 47 dead
Brunei
135; 1 dead
Australia
5,797; 40 dead
Bangladesh
123; 12 dead
Norway
5,760; 73 dead
Guinea
121; 0 dead
Ireland
4,994; 158 dead
Cambodia
114; 0 dead
Denmark
4,841; 187 dead
Paraguay
113; 5 dead
Czech Republic
4,591; 72 dead
Trinidad and Tobago
105; 7 dead
Chile
4,471; 34 dead
Rwanda
104; 0 dead
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India
4,314; 118 dead
Liechtenstein
77; 1 dead
Poland
4,201; 98 dead
Monaco
73; 1 dead
Romania
4,057; 157 dead
Madagascar
72; 0 dead
Malaysia
3,793; 62 dead
Guatemala
70; 3 dead
Philippines
3,660; 163 dead
El Salvador
69; 3 dead
Japan
3,654; 85 dead
Djibouti
59; 0 dead
Ecuador
3,646; 180 dead
Jamaica
58; 3 dead
Pakistan
3,277; 50 dead
Barbados
56; 1 dead
Luxembourg
2,804; 36 dead
Togo
52; 3 dead
Indonesia
2,491; 209 dead
Uganda
52; 0 dead
Saudi Arabia
2,463; 34 dead
Mali
47; 5 dead
Peru
2,281; 83 dead
Congo (Brazzaville)
45; 5 dead
Thailand
2,220; 26 dead
Ethiopia
44; 2 dead
Finland
2,176; 28 dead
Zambia
39; 1 dead
Mexico
2,143; 94 dead
Bahamas
29; 5 dead
Panama
1,988; 54 dead
Eritrea
29; 0 dead
Serbia
1,908; 51 dead
Guyana
29; 4 dead
United Arab Emirates
1,799; 10 dead
Gabon
24; 1 dead
Dominican Republic
1,745; 82 dead
Benin
22; 1 dead
Greece
1,735; 73 dead
Tanzania
22; 1 dead
South Africa
1,655; 11 dead
Burma
21; 1 dead
Qatar
1,604; 4 dead
Haiti
21; 1 dead
Argentina
1,554; 46 dead
Maldives
19; 0 dead
Iceland
1,486; 4 dead
Syria
19; 2 dead
Colombia
1,485; 35 dead
Guinea-Bissau
18; 0 dead
Algeria
1,320; 152 dead
Libya
18; 1 dead
Ukraine
1,319; 38 dead
Equatorial Guinea
16; 0 dead
Singapore
1,309; 6 dead
Namibia
16; 0 dead
Croatia
1,182; 15 dead
Antigua and Barbuda
15; 0 dead
Egypt
1,173; 78 dead
Mongolia
15; 0 dead
Morocco
1,113; 71 dead
Angola
14; 2 dead
Estonia
1,108; 19 dead
Dominica
14; 0 dead
New Zealand
1,106; 1 dead
Fiji
14; 0 dead
Slovenia
1,021; 30 dead
Saint Lucia
14; 0 dead
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Iraq
961; 61 dead
Liberia
13; 3 dead
Moldova
864; 17 dead
Grenada
12; 0 dead
Lithuania
843; 14 dead
Laos
12; 0 dead
Armenia
833; 8 dead
Sudan
12; 2 dead
Hungary
744; 38 dead
Mozambique
10; 0 dead
Bahrain
723; 4 dead
Saint Kitts and Nevis
10; 0 dead
Belarus
700; 13 dead
Seychelles
10; 0 dead
Bosnia and Herzegovina
667; 27 dead
Suriname
10; 1 dead
Kuwait
665; 1 dead
Chad
9; 0 dead
Cameroon
658; 9 dead
Eswatini
9; 0 dead
Azerbaijan
641; 7 dead
Nepal
9; 0 dead
Kazakhstan
629; 6 dead
Zimbabwe
9; 1 dead
Tunisia
574; 22 dead
Central African Republic
8; 0 dead
North Macedonia
555; 18 dead
Cabo Verde
7; 1 dead
Latvia
542; 1 dead
Holy See
7; 0 dead
Bulgaria
541; 21 dead
Lebanon
541; 19 dead
Saint Vincent Grenadines Somalia
Slovakia
534; 1 dead
Botswana
6; 1 dead
Andorra
501; 18 dead
Mauritania
6; 1 dead
Costa Rica
454; 2 dead
Nicaragua
6; 1 dead
Cyprus
446; 9 dead
Sierra Leone
6; 0 dead
Uruguay
406; 6 dead
Belize
5; 1 dead
Uzbekistan
390; 2 dead
Bhutan
5; 0 dead
Albania
377; 21 dead
Gambia
4; 1 dead
Taiwan
373; 5 dead
Malawi
4; 0 dead
Afghanistan
367; 7 dead
Western Sahara
4; 0 dead
Burkina Faso
345; 17 dead
Burundi
3; 0 dead
Jordan
345; 5 dead
Papua New Guinea
1; 0 dead
Oman
331; 2 dead
South Sudan
1; 0 dead
Cuba
320; 8 dead
Timor-Leste
1; 0 dead
Honduras
298; 22 dead
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and
the
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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 was approved by Congress on March 27, the largest rescue bill in U.S. history. The rescue package is intended to provide support to U.S. workers, businesses, the healthcare system and state and local
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governments. State and local health departments are in the mitigation phase of responding to the outbreak, which includes conducting investigations into possible infections, establishing isolation orders and trying to disrupt chains of transmission. In the past week, there has been a rapid escalation in social distancing measures encouraged in several states, although such mitigation strategies have been introduced unevenly across the country. In general, the state of epidemic response varies greatly 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 6, 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.”
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. 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 and has begun providing 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).
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
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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).
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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 39 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.
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 11,400 troops across the nation.
Global Measures Preventive measures taken by the international community also continue to escalate. Argentina Current situation: 1,554 confirmed cases and 46 deaths have been reported. A mandatory nationwide quarantine began on March 20 and has been extended until April 12. 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.
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Infection locations: Most confirmed cases have been recorded in Buenos Aires, although a majority of regions have been affected. Travel restrictions: On April 1, the government reopened its borders to Argentine nationals and residents only. Borders will remain closed for foreign nationals and non-residents until midnight on April 12. All scheduled international flights have also been suspended. Barbados Current situation: 56 confirmed cases and one death have been reported. A public health emergency was declared on March 26. As of April 3, there is a 24-hour curfew in effect until further notice. Only essential workers or those in need of medical assistance are allowed out of their homes. Infection locations: According to the Ministry of Health, most cases have been travel related and there is no evidence of community spread at this time. Cases have been confirmed in the capital, 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 will be placed in a Barbadian government quarantine facility for 14 days. Brazil Current situation: 11,281 confirmed cases and 487 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 Paraíba, have declared a state of emergency. Infection locations: The southeast of the country is the most affected, reporting approximately 63 percent of all cases. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the leading cities in number of diagnoses in the 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 will be open for trucks carrying essential goods and people on humanitarian missions. Canada Current situation: 15,940 confirmed cases and 281 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. Travel restrictions: As of March 30, individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19 must be refused boarding on domestic flights and some inter-city train services. Measures on entry into the country under the Quarantine Act do not apply to truck drivers and healthcare workers crossing the border. 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 6, News Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut 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. Exceptions have been made for cargo, trade and healthcare workers. 10 | Intelligence Update
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Chile Current situation: 4,471 confirmed cases and 34 deaths have been reported. On March 22, a nationwide curfew between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., a quarantine around the town of Puerto Williams, a ‘sanitary cordon’ around the town of Chillan and tightening of sanitary regulations for the whole of Chiloe Island went into effect. A further quarantine was announced around Easter Island on March 23. 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: 1,485 confirmed cases and 35 deaths have been reported. The Colombian government implemented a 19-day nationwide quarantine as of March 24 and will remain in place until at least April 13. No events over 500 people are permitted. Schools, bars and nightclubs nationwide remain closed. Public gatherings of more than 500 people have been prohibited. As of March 17, certain Colombian departments, such as Cundinamarca and Quindío, have imposed a curfew from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with few exceptions. 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 for a period of at least 30 days starting on March 23. All those entering the country from abroad are required to selfquarantine for a period of 14 days. Costa Rica Current situation: 454 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported. Costa Rican authorities have announced a state of emergency. The use of vehicles has been banned between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Restaurants and food courts may remain open, though they may only seat 50 percent of 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 until April 12, only Costa Rican citizens and legal residents will be allowed entry to the country by land, sea or air. Ecuador Current situation: 3,646 confirmed cases and 180 deaths have been reported. As of March 25, the government has extended a strict curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. On 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 as red. Public gatherings and events are suspended through the end of May. Infection locations: Positive cases have been confirmed in all regions. 11 | Intelligence Update
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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 can only leave their residence to purchase food or medicine, or to go to and from work. El Salvador Current situation: 69 confirmed cases and three deaths have been reported. A mandatory nationwide quarantine for 30 days began effective March 22. The total lockdown applies to the entire population. The 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 all non-citizens or non-residents of El Salvador. All citizens/residents arriving in El Salvador must remain in quarantine for 30 days. Guatemala Current situation: 70 confirmed cases and three deaths have been reported. Effective April 5 until April 12, all travel across Guatemala's departments is prohibited. A nationwide curfew is currently in effect until April 12. 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: Only Guatemalan nationals are permitted to enter Guatemala, subject to a 15-day quarantine. Mexico Current situation: 2,143 confirmed cases and 94 deaths have been reported. A suspension on all nonessential activities in the public and private sector is in effect until April 30. Infection locations: All of Mexico’s 32 states have either confirmed or suspected cases of the virus. Travel restrictions: On March 26, Jalisco and seven other states, including Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, Michoacán, Colima, and Nayarit, will block flights from areas such as California with high rates of COVID-19. 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: Six confirmed cases and one death have been reported. Few restrictions have been implemented in the country as of April 4, and gatherings have not been limited. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in the country’s capital of Managua. Travel restrictions: Effective March 27, all flights are suspended. All international travelers are subject to a 14-day quarantine.
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Paraguay Current situation: 113 confirmed cases and five deaths have been reported. Paraguayan authorities have declared a nationwide State of Sanitary Emergency and have banned all non-essential movement. On March 28, Paraguay announced that national quarantine measures would be extended until at least April 12. All movement of vehicles and people is restricted from 10 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, Caaguazu, Cordillera and Central departments. Travel restrictions: Borders are closed for non-residents. On March 24, the Paraguayan government announced that all passenger flights have been suspended until April 12. A suspension on all international flights into and out of the country remains in place since going into effect on March 22 for 30 days. Individuals who have arrived in the country within the last 14 days must comply with the self-isolation requirement for 14 days or leave the country immediately. Peru Current situation: 2,281 confirmed cases and 83 deaths have been reported. Men and women will only be allowed to leave their homes on designated days from April 3. Men will be able to leave their homes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, only women will be allowed to go out. On Sundays, no one will be allowed to leave their homes. A nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. has been in effect since March 31. On March 15, a state of emergency was announced for 15 days and has been extended until April 12. Infection locations: Confirmed or suspected cases have been recorded in most, if not all, of Peru’s departments. Travel restrictions: All borders have been closed permanently as of March 22. All borders have been closed from March 17 until April 16. Puerto Rico Current situation: 475 confirmed cases and 20 deaths have been reported. A state of emergency was declared on the island on March 12. A two-week lockdown and an overnight 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew started on March 16, shutting down all non-essential businesses. As of March 27, motorists are only allowed out (for emergency shopping) based on the ending digit of their car license plate: license plates ending in 0,2,4,6,8 are allowed out for emergency errands on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, and license plates ending in odd numbers are allowed out for emergencies errands on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays. No one is allowed out on Sundays. Infection locations: Confirmed cases have been recorded in all regions. Travel restrictions: 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. Saint Lucia Current situation: 14 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been reported. The government of Saint Lucia announced a national state of emergency, effective March 23. A 24-curfew went into effect at 5 a.m. on April 1. Every resident will be required to remain confined in their home. Infection locations: No cases of in-country transmission have been reported at this time.
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Travel restrictions: The government of Saint Lucia has closed all air, sea and land borders. Cruise ships are not permitted to dock. Trinidad and Tobago Current situation: 105 confirmed cases and seven deaths have been reported. On March 30, local authorities will implement new “stay at home” measures for all non-essential workers. The measures will remain in place until April 15. Schools and universities are closed until April 20. Infection locations: Confirmed cases or suspected cases have been reported in several regions and municipalities. Travel restrictions: As of April 6, Trinidad and Tobago's borders remain closed until further notice and internal restrictions are in place. All airports and seaports are currently closed to inbound traffic until further notice while the current entry ban applies to all travelers, including Trinidad and Tobago citizens. Uruguay Current situation: 406 confirmed cases and six deaths have been reported. As of March 30, government authorities have asked residents to remain indoors as much as possible and are considering nationwide quarantine measures. 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: On March 25, Uruguayan authorities announced that all foreign travelers, except for citizens and legal residents, will be prohibited from entering the country. Entry by foreign travelers is prohibited by any means. 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,
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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. Within the last two weeks a record 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 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 (see a list here) 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.
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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