Riskline have collated the latest Corona information from around the world, so just so you can put the latest UK news into perspective, here it is;
COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise with more than 100,000 cases in Spain, 1,000 deaths in New York City and 2,300 deaths in the United Kingdom as global numbers reached more than 930,000 by 2 April.
▪ In the US, White House models predicted the death toll from COVID-19 would be between 100,000 and 240,000 based on the current measures in place to stop the spread of the virus.
▪ In Panama, President Nito Cortizo announced that from 1 April for the next 15 days, women can only leave their homes for essential shopping on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and men can leave on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while everyone must stay at home on Sundays.
▪ Vietnamese authorities implemented a nationwide lockdown with people ordered to stay at home from 1 April, effective for at least 15 days; going out to buy food, medicine or access health services was permitted. Public transport was suspended.
▪ In Turkey on 31 March, authorities imposed quarantine measures, including and exit bans, in parts of 18 provinces. Residents in Istanbul also required a permit to leave the city.
▪ Authorities in Sierra Leone on 31 March confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the country after a 37-year-old man who arrived from France on 16 March tested positive for the virus.
▪ In the UAE, authorities on 31 March revoked a system that previously allowed residents to obtain permits to move around during the nationwide nightly curfew, which remains in effect from 20:00 to 06:00 local time (16:00-02:00 GMT) until 5 April.
▪ Mexico announced a nationwide state of emergency effective immediately on 31 March, with a nationwide blanket suspension on the operation of all non-essential businesses and activities in public, private and social sectors until at least 30 April.
▪ Indonesia announced on 31 March that all foreign travellers, except diplomats or those with work permits, will be temporarily barred from entering or transiting through the country.
▪ All Australian nationals and permanent residents arriving from overseas into Australia will be quarantined at government approved hotels and facilities for at least 14 days, effective from 00:00 Canberra time on 29 March (13:00 GMT on 28 March).
▪ People’s Republic of China (PRC) officials announced that all foreign nationals, including visa and residency permit holders, will be denied entry to China from 28 March to reduce the spread of imported COVID-19 cases. Diplomats, travellers on official business and “C” visa holders in international transportation services are exempt.
There are related risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic which may manifest as the crisis evolves in certain countries.
Service Disruptions: The infection of essential workers and measures to prevent the spread of the virus in critical sectors of the economy have the potential to cause both short- and long-term impacts on critical services and infrastructure. In a worse-case scenario, this could cause disruptions to essential services such as drinking water, electricity and food production and distribution. The risk of looting and other unrest sparked by poor service delivery increases as the virus spreads.
Strikes: In addition to service disruptions caused directly by the outbreak, workers may strike or participate in other forms of labour action. Warehouse, delivery and healthcare workers have already walked off the job in several countries over a lack of protective equipment and other work conditions. Further strikes are certain and carry the potential to disrupt essential services.
Protests and Unrest: Some populations may respond with hostility to prolonged movement controls – such as curfews or household lockdowns – invasive government tracking through technology or the economic impact of these and other measures. In these cases, unrest directed at authorities and symbols of the government is possible and may have a negative impact on containment of the virus.
Xenophobic Attacks: Violence directed at foreigners perceived to be responsible for the outbreak of the disease is increasingly likely over time. In the initial stages, anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment and physical attacks were reported globally. As the outbreak shifted to Europe, attacks against perceived Europeans were reported, specifically in some African countries. With the outbreak expected to shift to the USA by April, similar incidents direct against Americans are possible.
Fraud and Scams: Criminals may attempt to exploit the pandemic as an opportunity to profit through scams, phishing attacks, malware and other forms of fraud. Indeed, approximately 3,600 new internet domains containing the word “coronavirus” were created between 14 and 18 March alone. Take common sense precautions for digital security, including verifying urls and the source of message attachments
before opening them.
Surveillance: There is a possibility of increased surveillance of individuals and the general public. Personal information may be disclosed to the public, especially for those who are diagnosed with the virus. Exercise discretion in deciding to communicate sensitive or personal information through electronic devices. Criminals may attempt to exploit the pandemic as an opportunity to profit through scams, phishing attacks, malware and other forms of fraud. Indeed, approximately 3,600 new internet domains containing the word “coronavirus” were created between 14 and 18 March alone. Take common sense precautions for digital security, including verifying urls and the source of message attachments before opening them.
Finally, there is a possibility of increased surveillance of individuals and the general public. Personal information may be disclosed to the public, especially for those who are diagnosed with the virus. Exercise discretion in deciding to communicate sensitive or personal information through electronic devices.
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