Category Archive: Virus

National Situation Update- 2/21/2021

WEEKLY THREAT AND ALERT ROUNDUP

Feds Seize Millions of Fake N95 Masks from China - ALLOW IMAGES

Feds Seize Millions of Fake N95 Masks from China


February 20, 2021

  

What You Need To Know

More than 11 million counterfeit 3M N95 masks have been seized by the Department of Homeland Security in recent weeks, and suspected victims of the scam include hospitals and medical facilities in at least 12 states. Authorities say they have contacted around 6,000 hospitals, clinics, and others who may have accidentally purchased the fake masks, advising them to stop using them and contact DHS immediately.

As many as 1.9 million counterfeit 3M masks were shipped to about 40 hospitals in Washington state alone. Cassie Sauer, the president and chief executive of the Washington State Hospital Association, said that Washington state hospitals bought hundreds of thousands of the fraudulent masks, and the association itself bought 300,000 for its members. Just weeks ago, the Cleveland Clinic issued a statement saying that a portion of its N95 mask supply used by their health system since November were counterfeit and “not effective as respirators.”

According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, one million counterfeit N95 masks were confiscated on Wednesday of this week at a warehouse in Western Maryland. The seizure came as part of a larger investigative effort known as Operation Stolen Promise. Launched in April of last year, the goal of the effort is to protect the Homeland from the increasing and evolving threat posed by COVID-19-related fraud and criminal activity. This includes seizure of shipments of mislabeled, fraudulent, unauthorized or prohibited COVID-19 test kits, treatment kits, homeopathic remedies, purported anti-viral products, as well as all manner of knockoffs and substandard personal protective equipment (PPE). So far, in partnership with border officials, the FDA and FBI, $33 million in phony products have been seized and and more than 230 persons arrested.

The fake masks that were seized this week have the stamp “3M” on them and are shipped in boxes that say “Made in the USA,” although they are not. According to Steve Francis, director of the Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, an element of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the knockoff masks are all produced in China. Quoting Francis;

“They’re extremely dangerous. They’re providing a false sense of security to our first-line responders and to American consumers.”

Officials are urging consumers to be cautions when purchasing N95 masks. Do not confuse them with KN95 masks, which meet standards in China but are not certified by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Typical hallmarks of knockoffs include grammatical errors or typos on packaging and user instructions, loose fitting straps, odd smells, poor construction, and lack of a NIOSH seal.

Learn to spot the fakes here and here.



Coronavirus Update Graphic - ALLOW IMAGES


Coronavirus Update


February 20, 2021


What You Need To Know

According to data provided by the COVID Tracking Project, all major indicators of COVID-19 transmission in the United States continue to fall rapidly. Weekly new cases have fallen from 1.7 million at the national peak in early January to fewer than 600,000 this week, and cases have declined in every state. As we’ve seen at many points in the pandemic, case numbers are changing most quickly, with hospitalizations and deaths declining after a delay: cases have been falling sharply for five weeks, hospitalizations for four, and deaths for two. In this week’s numbers from nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities, we are now seeing solid declines in deaths correlated with COVID-19 vaccinations of this most vulnerable population.

Despite the declines, the total number of people hospitalized is still very high—hospitalizations have yet to fall far enough to reach even the peaks of the two previous surges, which both rose to roughly 60 thousand hospitalizations.

As of Friday at 6:00 PM ET, there were 3,003 deaths reported for the day. In total, more than 496,000 deaths in the U.S. have been attributed to the virus.

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the restrictions on non-essential cross-border travel with Canada and Mexico through March 21st.

Effective January 26, the CDC requires all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure​, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.

Air travelers entering Canada will now be forced into mandatory hotel quarantine at their own expense to await results of a COVID test. Trudeau says the new requirement is part of a suite of measures designed to keep Canadians at home, as the government is increasingly concerned about the risk of new COVID variants that appear to be more transmissible and more deadly.

Nationwide COVID-19 Metrics - ALLOW IMAGES


Important COVID-19 Headlines

One in three US service members refuse to take COVID-19 vaccine
DoD considers sending more than 18K troops to help vaccinate America
Israel to bar unvaccinated people from some jobs, says health minister
Mutations have made coronavirus 8X more infectious
Macron proposes vaccine plan as UK prepares to host G7
Hopkins experts expound upon COVID-19 variants, vaccine doses
What Are The 677 Mutations? New Covid-19 Variants Found In The US
Another new coronavirus variant now detected in 13 countries
Experts Warn Against COVID-19 Variants as States Reopen


SITUATION REPORTS / OFFICIAL CASE NUMBERS

The COVID Tracking Project
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.)
Johns Hopkins CSSE (Interactive map updated multiple times daily)

OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION PAGES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Public Health Agency of Canada
Infection Prevention and Control Canada
World Health Organization


AlertsUSA.com

SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

2/19 – DHS: U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least March 21 due to continued spread of SARS-CoV-2.

2/17 – At least 7 shot at the SE Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) station in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood. One gunman in custody. Monitoring..

2/15 – Southwest Power Pool declares Energy Emergency Alert level 3, will implement immediate rolling blackouts across 17 central and western states. Monitoring..

2/14 – Electric Reliability Council of Texas warns of possible rotating outages resulting from high demand on grid due to extreme temps. Conservation urged.


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* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* 18 Years in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!



Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED): Preparedness, Recognition and Response - ALLOW IMAGES

Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED):
Preparedness, Recognition and Response


February 20, 2021


In the post-9/11 era, first responders have incorporated protecting the Homeland against terrorism into their daily mission. Law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services personnel play a vital role in detecting and preventing attacks because of the nature of their work, their frequent interaction with members of the public, and the level of access their jobs provide. People who hold these jobs often can identify behaviors or activities that could signal a pending terrorist attack; therefore, public safety personnel must continue to report, according to the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, observations that raise reasonable suspicion.

The Intelligence Community routinely produces information for public safety personnel that may help first responders identify terrorist-related activities and prevent, deter, or respond to terrorist attacks. In light of the December 25, 2020 detonation of a recreational vehicle bomb in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, AlertsUSA provides the following resources from the National Counterterrorism Center to help increase awareness of first responders and members of the general public.

Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED):
Preparedness, Recognition and Response

Vehicle-Borne Attacks: Tactics and Mitigation

Best Practices for Vehicle Screening Against Terrorist Attacks


Tussle Over Rare Earth Elements Heating Up - ALLOW IMAGES


Tussle Over Rare Earth Elements Heating Up


In a move clearly meant to taunt the United States and its allies, China is looking at limiting the export of rare earth elements (REEs) that are crucial to sophisticated weaponry, according to an exclusive report in the Financial Times.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


Iran: The Mullah’s Pursuit of Obtaining Nuclear Weapons


In spite of the Iranian leaders’ claim that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, evidence reveals that the Iranian regime has long sought to acquire nuclear weapons.

A recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency pointed out that “Samples taken from two sites during inspections in the fall by the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) contained traces of radioactive material”.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


Aspiring Immigrants Are Massing in Northern Mexico


Despite significant Mexican counter-migration operations on behalf of the new U.S. administration, large numbers of migrants from around the world are still flowing into northern cities and towns along the border from Texas to California, powered by adrenaline from recent Biden moves to open the border wide, according to a CIS survey of Mexican media reporting.

~ READ MORE HERE ~



Fleet and Marine Tracker Map as of Feb 18, 2021  - ALLOW IMAGES

USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker


These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Feb 18, 2021 based on Navy, public data provided by the U.S. Naval Institute, and open source reporting. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship


An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts an aerial refuel with a KC-135 Stratotanker during Cope North near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 18, 2021. The annual exercise promotes stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. - ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup


AMERICAS


Texas was ‘seconds’ away from ‘months-long’ power outage
Blinken says the U.S. is willing to meet Iran for face-to-face talks
US says it’s ready to join talks to resume Iran nuclear deal
Earth quietest in decades as lockdowns reduce seismic noise
Special Program – Biden’s America: Too damaged to lead?
Why Russia Is Terrified of SpaceX — and Starlink
Cuomo-gate: a Nixonian scandal is engulfing New York
Democrats to unveil Biden’s US immigration reform bill
Texas power outages below 500,000 but water crisis persists
Coronavirus: US life expectancy falls by a year amid pandemic
Mexico president calls for reduced electric consumption
Ecuador election: Tension rises over delayed result

EUROPE


Spain: Dozens arrested in fresh riots over rapper’s jailing
Russia, China to sign agreement on international lunar research station
Russian fighters make unsafe intercept of French Air Force aircraft
French fighter jet flies through electrical lines and cuts power to village
Spain Hoped Catalonia’s Separatists Would Fade. They’re Gaining Ground
Catalonia election: Socialists win, but separatists expand majority
EU records 450,000 excess deaths between March and November
Georgia prime minister resigns over opposition leader arrest plan
Diplomats: EU to impose sanctions on Russians over Navalny by March summit
Russia slams European rights court’s ‘unlawful’ order to free Navalny
Russia to present new concept of national digital currency
Belarus jails Belsat TV journalists for filming protest

MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA


Killings surge in Syria camp housing Islamic State families
Trial opens in Algeria jihadist beheading of French mountaineer
Ebola Is Back. Can the WHO Contain It?
US signals it is open to sending more troops to support NATO’s mission in Iraq
NATO expands mission in Iraq on the heels of deadly rocket attack
Ten thousand ISIS fighters poised for new wave of terror
Erbil Attacks Part of Iran’s ‘Opening Overture’ To Biden
Turkey-US relations: A rocky road ahead
Who are the Syrian Kurdish women fighters who took down ISIS?
Euphoria of Morocco’s Arab Spring has fizzled out
Positive signals’ needed to save JCPOA, Merkel tells Rouhani
Iran nuclear deal hangs in balance as Tehran turns screw on US
U.S. vows consequences for group behind Iraq rocket attack
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen moves troops to Marib to repel Houthis
Lebanon judge removed from Beirut blast probe: judicial source
WHO to send over 11,000 Ebola vaccines to Guinea amid outbreak
Nigeria hunts school kidnappers as families call for help
Nigeria minister: Don’t be ‘cowards’ when attacked
Egypt’s Sisi offers support to Libya’s new PM
Ivory Coast minister to meet ex-president Gbagbo to discuss return
Ugandan soldiers jailed for assaulting journalists

ASIA


China ramps up military build-up in Tibet, Xinjiang
Tussle over rare earth elements heating up
Mutations have made coronavirus 8X more infectious
Whyis COVID in retreat around the world?
How China’s national security law threatens Hong Kong’s internet freedom
Heir Apparent? The Grooming Of Turkmenistan’s Serdar Berdymukhammedov
Top Bhutan general, judges detained in alleged overthrow plot
Nearly 500 detained in Myanmar, hackers target military websites
UK and Canada impose sanctions on Myanmar generals after coup
Blinken tells Ghani U.S. supports Afghanistan peace process
Taiwan blames China after deal for 5m Covid vaccine doses is put on hold
US charges three N. Koreans in $US1.3 billion hacking spree
Facebook imposes Australia news blackout


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Travel Security Resources


Department of State Seal - ALLOW IMAGES

The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to research on the security situation at your destination prior to departure.


Active USGOV Travel Notices

Worldwide Caution


Active USGOV Travel Advisories

Alphabetical Country List

Dynamic Map


Other USGOV Travel Resources

Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)

Travelers with Special Considerations

Travel to High-Risk Areas

Faith-Based Travel Information

Information for Women Travelers

Cruise Ship Passengers

Students Abroad

Your Health Abroad

Driving and Road Safety Abroad


Overseas Security Advisory Council Logo - ALLOW IMAGES

The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.


CDC Logo - ALLOW IMAGES

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.


Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance


Canadian Flag - ALLOW IMAGES

Global Affairs Canada


Australian Flag - ALLOW IMAGES

Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs


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UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office


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National Situation Update- 2/7/2021

WEEKLY THREAT AND ALERT ROUNDUP


Security is high for Super LV in Tampa, FL - ALLOW IMAGES

Super Bowl LV Threat Assessment


February 6, 2021

 

On Feb 1st, the following related Flash SMS
message was sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:


2/1 – Large security operation unfolding in Tampa for Super Bowl LV on 2/7. Fencing, road closures, and heavy police presence downtown & near stadium. Expect delays.


What You Need To Know


On Monday AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a large security operation unfolding in the run-up to Super Bowl LV that will be held on Sunday, Feb 7th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. According to a Joint Special Event Threat Assessment issued by the FBI, Dept. of Homeland Security and several other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, there is no information to indicate a specific, credible threat to or associated with Super Bowl LV or related events in the surrounding area.

However, the FBI and DHS remain concerned about potential retaliatory attacks conducted by or on behalf of the Government of Iran following the Jan 3rd 2020 US drone strike that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qassem Soleimani. Additional areas of continuing concern include international terrorism and domestic violent extremists (DVEs); unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); cyber security; local critical infrastructure; criminal activity; and the potential use of crude, simple weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

Quoting directly from the threat assessment:

“We remain concerned about sustained interest by foreign terrorist organizations in targeting mass gatherings such as Super Bowl LV despite the restricted attendance of this year’s game and associated events. Al-Qa‘ida, the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS), and their affiliates remain intent on attacking Western targets and continue to call on individuals to conduct independent attacks in the United States using a range of weapons, including improvised explosive or incendiary devices (IEDs/IIDs), vehicles, firearms, and edged weapons.”

“The Government of Iran could direct retaliatory attacks in the environs of the Super Bowl; Soleimani’s death could also provoke a violent extremist Iran supporter to conduct an attack to avenge the death.”

“Although security measures will be in place around Super Bowl LV and adjacent areas on the day of the game, Super Bowl LV and associated events are likely an attractive target due to the relatively high concentration of attendees, symbolism of the event, and the significant national media attention the event will receive. We assess the most vulnerable targets of opportunity for a physical attack during Super Bowl LV will be outside the security perimeter around the stadium and at associated venues where crowds will gather or where less stringent security measures are in effect.

In light of the content of this Threat Assessment, readers may find it interesting that on Wednesday of this week, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested 11 Iranian citizens after they crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. According to Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol agents encountered the group on a bridge near San Luis, Arizona. The group consisted of six males and 5 females. The group was arrested and taken to Yuma Station for processing.

So far in FY2021, Yuma Sector agents have apprehend 14 nationals from Iran.

Customs and Border Protection says Iran is considered a “special interest country.” This means it is a country known to harbor terrorists and terrorist organizations.

It is not yet clear why the group was attempting to get into the United States, and agents are still working to determine how they got to Mexico to cross into the U.S..



Coronavirus Update Graphic - ALLOW IMAGES

Coronavirus Update


What You Need To Know

According to data provided by the COVID Tracking Project, this week new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths all dropped. For the seven-day period running January 28 to February 3, weekly new cases were down more than 16 percent over the previous week, and dropped below one million for the first time since the week of November 5. This is still an astonishing number of new cases per week, but far better than the nearly 1.8 million cases reported on the week of January 14. Tests also declined nationally, but by less than 3 percent, nowhere near enough to explain the steep drop in cases.

As of Friday at 6:00 PM ET, there were 3,003 deaths reported for the day. In total, more than 459,000 deaths in the U.S. have been attributed to the virus.


COVID-19 Restriction Maps can be found here and here.

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the restrictions on non-essential cross-border travel with Canada and Mexico through Feb. 21st.

Effective January 26, the CDC requires all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure​, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau announced that air travelers entering Canada will now be forced into mandatory hotel quarantine at their expense to await results of a COVID test. Trudeau says the new requirement is part of a suite of measures designed to keep Canadians at home, as the government is increasingly concerned about the risk of new COVID variants that appear to be more transmissible and more deadly

The White House also released a new Executive Order last week focused on protecting the federal workforce and requiring mask wearing.

Nationwide COVID-19 Metrics - ALLOW IMAGES

Important COVID-19 Headlines

World faces around 4,000 COVID-19 variants
WHO admit Wuhan mission WILL NOT reveal how COVID jumped to humans
FEMA asks the Pentagon to help administer the COVID-19 vaccine
UK finds more coronavirus cases with ‘concerning’ mutations
What we know about the South African variant of Covid
Latest on the worldwide spread of the coronavirus
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine has 92% efficacy in trial
The race for ‘next generation’ COVID vaccines is heating up
COVID-19: Risks and side effects of vaccination
Sinovac and Sinopharm – what do we know about the Chinese vaccines?
Coronavirus: Lack of global vaccine strategy has ‘immense costs’


SITUATION REPORTS / OFFICIAL CASE NUMBERS

The COVID Tracking Project
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.)
Johns Hopkins CSSE (Interactive map updated multiple times daily)

OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION PAGES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Public Health Agency of Canada
Infection Prevention and Control Canada
World Health Organization


SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE


1/31 – AlertsUSA monitoring response to reports of gunfire, Fox River Mall, Appleton, WI. Heavy police presence. Add’l alerts as warranted.

1/31 – Outagamie County (WI) Sheriff’s Office asking community to stay away from the Fox River Mall area in Appleton. Active situation.

1/31 – Police report two people shot in Fox River Mall incident. Shooter remains at large. AlertsUSA monitoring..

2/1 – AlertsUSA monitoring response to reports of gunfire, University Mall, South Burlington, VT. Heavy police presence. Add’l alerts as warranted.

AlertsUSA Service for Mobile Devices Ad - ALLOW IMAGES

* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* 18 Years in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!



National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, MD. - ALLOW IMAGES

Research Reactor Emergency in Maryland


On Feb 3rd, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

2/3 – NRC notified flwg radiological incident within a Nat’l Institute of Standards & Technology facility in Gaithersburg, MD. Elevated radiation levels. Monitoring..

2/3 – NIST incident involves elevated radiation levels within containment bldg of research neutron reactor. Workers undergoing decon and eval. No threat outside bldg.

What You Need To Know

On Wednesday AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a declaration of an Emergency at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research in Gaithersburg, MD. In this incident, elevated radiation levels were detected in the containment building of the 20 MW heavy water research neutron reactor during a restart.

According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, stack radiation monitors began reading 100,000 counts per minute due to the release of fission products. The reactor had been operating at 50% power (10 MW), and automatically scrammed one minute prior based on the stack monitor reaching 50,000 counts per minute. When the automatic scram occurred, the facility ventilation system automatically changed to emergency ventilation mode to limit discharge to the environment. Several workers were determined to be externally contaminated. Those workers underwent decontamination by a change of clothes and showers and are now being monitored for signs of possible uptake and internal contamination.

According to a statement by NIST, there is no evidence of radiation above regulatory limits outside the containment building, and they “continue to evaluate data from air monitors and other sensors to ensure the health and safety of our campus and local community. NIST is also working to understand the precise cause of the elevated levels of radiation.“

A follow-up release on Friday states the following:

“The research reactor on NIST’s Gaithersburg, Maryland, campus is shut down and in a safe state. It will remain in shutdown status until the cause of the elevated radiation levels is determined and corrected. The elevated levels of radiation within the NCNR’s confinement building have dropped significantly, as expected.”

Interestingly, despite the fact that the NIST campus and the Center for Neutron Research is located near Interstate 270 and is surrounded by housing communities and businesses, most local residents did not become aware of the emergency until hours later.



Report to Congress on Chinese Naval Modernization - ALLOW IMAGES



Chasing the Dragon


On his first full day in office, President Joe Biden signed a massive executive order that, among other things, killed the Keystone XL pipeline project. Buried in that same order were two short sentences that will allow the Chinese government to get into the American electrical grid.

READ MORE HERE

The New Great Game at Sea


Last month, India included Australia in its annual Malabar naval exercise for the first time since 2007. The exercise was held in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea and also included the United States and Japan, which only joined as a permanent member in 2015. Australia’s newly announced inclusion represents the growing concerns about China’s maritime rise across Eurasia, from the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean to East Asia and the Arctic.

Malabar comes in juxtaposition to the annual exercise China hosts with Russia entitled Joint Sea. Since 2012, Russia and China have conducted the Joint Sea naval exercises as a way to bolster their relationship, while also gaining a greater understanding of their respective naval technologies and platforms.

Eurasia’s main continental rivals — China, Russia, and India — are leading this emerging dynamic of maritime great-power competition as they seek enhanced global prestige and great-power status. This drive for increased international prestige has resulted in growing investments in strategic instruments of national power, namely navies. This in turn has resulted in a dynamic of heightened navalism and naval competition across maritime Eurasia.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


Forging 21st-Century Strategic Deterrence


The strategic capabilities of our competitors continue to grow, and they are sobering. More than a decade ago, Russia began aggressively modernizing its nuclear forces, including its non-treaty-accountable medium- and short-range systems. The People’s Republic of China is also on a trajectory to be a strategic peer and should not be mistaken as a “lesser included” case.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


The Navarro Report


The three volumes of the Navarro Report provide a demonstration that President Trump had a good faith belief that the November 3, 2020 Presidential election results, were, indeed, the poisonous fruit of widespread fraud and election irregularities. Evidence used in the preparation of the Navarro Report includes more than 50 lawsuits and judicial rulings, thousands of affidavits and declarations, testimony in a variety of state venues, published analyses by think tanks and legal centers, videos and photos, public comments, and extensive press coverage.

~ READ MORE HERE ~



Fleet and Marine Tracker Map as of Feb 1, 2021  - ALLOW IMAGES

USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker


These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Feb 1, 2021 based on Navy, public data provided by the U.S. Naval Institute, and open source reporting. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.



Soldiers conduct an airborne operation from an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft at Frida drop zone in Pordenone, Italy, Feb. 1, 2021. - ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup


AMERICAS

10 pounds of Composition C-4 disappear from Twentynine Palms
11 Iranians arrested in Arizona after jumping US-Mexico border
Nat’l Guard protection of the Swamp cost taxpayers $500 MILLION
Judiciary Committee votes AGAINST saying Pledge of Allegiance
US and Russia extend nuclear treaty
CCP Virus psyops in Wuhan brought America to her knees
Biden Is Putting Migrant Kids In Cages, Crickets from AOC
Biden says he will welcome 125,000 refugees during pandemic
Hacking group also used an IE zero-day against security researchers
That Settles That: White House Is Keeping Space Force
Comparing Biden’s Proposed Amnesty to the Legalization of the 1980s
Modernizing Biometrics Collection for Immigration Vetting
For Biden, Tough Talk on Saudi Arabia Meets Reality
US sends warship through Taiwan Strait for first time under Biden
Mexico Arrests Police Officers Over Massacre
Desperation grows as Mexico runs out of vaccines
Hacking group also used an IE zero-day against security researchers
Austin Orders Military Stand Down to Address Challenge of Extremism
Biden cancels Elon Musk’s adventures in space
Lockheed Overtakes Boeing as Largest US Aerospace and Defense Firm
New Sonar Sees Underwater From The Air
National Security Council meets on Iran’s nuclear program

EUROPE

One dead and nine injured after stabbings around Croydon, south London
Biden Freezes German Pullout Plans; ‘Cradle to Grave’ Review Underway
Britain expelled three Chinese spies posing as journalists, report claims
Russia Expels European Diplomats It Says Participated In Navalny Protests
B-1 Bombers Deploying To Norway For The First Time
Trident nuclear submarine replacement delayed by another year
Joe Biden demands Russia free Alexei Navalny ‘immediately
As Moscow’s Jails Overflow, Navalny Detainees Are Held Outside the City

MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

Islamic extremists planning ‘rash of attacks’ after Covid curbs lifted, says UN
Al Qaeda’s “Expansion Project” targets Côte d’Ivoire, Benin
Biden halts support for Saudi strikes on Yemen
In Iraq’s ‘Dire’ Economy, Poverty Is Rising — And So Are Fears Of Instability
Mozambican President announces night curfews, first since 1992
Saudi Arabia suspends entry from 20 countries over COVID fears
Qatar announces new restrictions amid fears of second COVID wave
Erdogan says will not let Turkish university protests swell
Liberia war crimes: Rebel commander on trial in Finland
Tunisian soldiers killed by explosive in mountains close to Algerian border
Ethiopia arrests 15 over UAE embassy attack plot

ASIA

Nimitz moves into Indo-Pacific region after 270 days in CENTCOM AOR
Myanmar coup: What is happening and why?
Xi, Putin make the case for win-win vs zero-sum
16 injured in Sibbi blast following Kashmir solidarity rally
Chinese Soldiers Get High-Tech ‘Dog Tags’ Incl Barcodes, Embedded Chips
Uyghur advocates speak out after accounts of rape and torture in China
Top Chinese official hopes US abandons its ‘zero-sum’ rivalry
China slams U.N. Security Council ‘leak’ on Myanmar
Afghanistan troop withdrawal should be tied with peace talk progress
US study group advises delay in Afghanistan withdrawal
Japan extends state of emergency amid rising COVID-19 cases
Defector says North Korea ‘popular uprising’ likely



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Travel Security Resources

Department of State Seal - ALLOW IMAGES

The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to research on the security situation at your destination prior to departure.


Active USGOV Travel Notices

Worldwide Caution



Active USGOV Travel Advisories

Alphabetical Country List

Dynamic Map



Other USGOV Travel Resources

Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)

Travelers with Special Considerations

Travel to High-Risk Areas

Faith-Based Travel Information

Information for Women Travelers

Cruise Ship Passengers

Students Abroad

Your Health Abroad

Driving and Road Safety Abroad


Overseas Security Advisory Council Logo - ALLOW IMAGES

The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.


CDC Logo - ALLOW IMAGES

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.


Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance

Canadian Flag - ALLOW IMAGES

Global Affairs Canada


Australian Flag - ALLOW IMAGES

Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs


UK Flag - ALLOW IMAGES

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office


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Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.


Via: threatjournal


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The ACLU and College Professors are Encouraging Book Burnings

Are you ready for this week’s absurdity? Here’s our Friday roll-up of the most ridiculous stories from around the world that are threats to your liberty, risks to your prosperity… and on occasion, inspiring poetic justice.


ACLU and Professor Team Up to Encourage Book Burnings


Abigail Shrier has committed the ultimate sin: she has a different opinion than the woke mob. And that is an unforgivable transgression.

Shrier’s new book is called Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, and she discusses some very strong views, such as that children shouldn’t be coaxed into taking life-altering hormones.

This is a controversial topic for many people, and they can choose to support or argue against Shrier’s opinions.

But that’s not how the woke mob works. They don’t use logic and debate to engage in intellectual discourse.

Instead, they simply rage– what Isaac Asimov described as “the last resource of fools.”

So naturally Twitter is jumping all over this book and trying to cancel it.

Target– the mega retail chain with stores all over the Land of the Free, already buckled, and decided to pull the book because apparently it’s full of hate speech.

(Never mind that Target continues to sell White Fragility, which is also full of hate speech that accuses roughly half the country of being White Supremacists…)

But more surprising is that Chase Strangio, a deputy director with the ACLU, is one of the Twitter mobsters.

Strangio recently Tweeted, “We have to fight these ideas… Stopping the circulation of this book and these ideas is 100% a hill I will die on.”

Remember, Strangio is with the ACLU, where the ‘C’ and ‘L’ stand for ‘Civil Liberties’. And last time I checked, civil liberties include freedom of speech. How quaint.

Also joining the mob is a Professor of English from the University of California’s Berkely campus, who encourages people to steal and burn the book.

That’s right, our cultural overseers are now advocating literal book burnings in the Land of the Free.

Click here to read the full story.


State Universities of New York Threaten to Hold Students Hostage Over COVID


The system of New York State Universities announced a policy that all students on all campuses must test negative for COVID-19 before LEAVING campus to go home for the holidays.

If students test positive, they will be FORCED to quarantine on campus for 14 days, at the responsibility of the University.

And since campuses close just prior to Thanksgiving, that means students who test positive could be held hostage in isolation on the holiday, prevented from going home to see their families.

One question: HOW IS THIS NOT KIDNAPPING????

Click here to read the full story.


Great idea #593,291: Let’s Tax the Wind


Argentina’s government has been an endless supply of terrible ideas, from wealth taxes to full-blow asset confiscation. Their latest idea? Taxing the air– more specifically the wind.

Companies which sell wind power will have to pay 4.5% REVENUE (not profit) tax to the municipality for the privilege of using the air.

Remember when governments were talking about fossil fuel taxes to encourage energy companies to stop drilling and start investing in renewable energy?

Gee I wonder what’s going to happen with this one…

Click here to read the full story.


“Defund Police” politician calls police over dispute with Lyft driver


The City Commissioner in Portland, Oregon, Comrade Jo Ann Hardesty, has strongly voiced her support for defunding the police.

So you’d think she’d be the last person to ever call the cops.

But Hardesty was recently in a Lyft and got into an argument with her driver over some petty issue over the windows being up or down.

Apparently the argument escalated, and the driver pulled into a gas station and asked Hardesty to exit the vehicle.

Now, instead of resolving the matter like a grown adult, Hardesty– an elected official– decided to call 911 (i.e. a number reserved for EMERGENCIES).

The 911 dispatcher explained to Hardesty that no crime had been committed; if the Lyft driver wanted to cancel the ride, that was his right.

But Hardesty insisted that the dispatcher send the police, i.e. the very people she wants to defund… because apparently this petty dispute constituted an emergency.

Of course there is room for police reform. But Hardesty is absurdly hypocritical to call the police for such a trivial reason… and then demand that they be defunded.

Click here to read the full story.


Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.


via:  SovereignMan


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National Situation Update- 9/19/2020

WEEKLY THREAT AND ALERT ROUNDUP

Night view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak.  - ALLOW IMAGES

Borders with Canada and Mexico Remain Closed
USGOV Warns of Travel to Hong Kong


September 19, 2020

Between Sept 9-11, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:


9/18 – DHS: Ban on non-essential travel through shared border crossings with Canada and Mexico extended until October 21 due to COVID-19.


What You Need To Know


On Friday of this week, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security that in an ongoing effort to limit further spread of the coronavirus, the U.S. has reached agreements with the governments of Canada and Mexico to continue with limitations on all non-essential travel across borders until at least October 21st.. Initially implemented on March 21st, this is the 6th extension of the closure.

DHS has also announced that Customs and Border Protection will continue with the policy of no longer detaining illegal immigrants in their holding facilities and will immediately return these aliens to the country from which they entered. Where such a return is not possible, CBP will return these aliens to their country of origin.

Essential cross-border workers such as health care professionals, airline crews and truck drivers are still allowed to cross along the border.


U.S. Warns of Travel to Hong Kong


In related news, earlier in the week the U.S. State Department issued updated travel advisories for China and Hong Kong which reflect China’s implementation of a national security law over the island territory. Specifically, the new advisory for Hong Kong warns U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the PRC government’s arbitrarily enforcement of local laws, including by carrying out arbitrary and wrongful detentions and through the use of exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries without due process of law.

Similar to what has been detailed in the mainland China Travel Advisory for some time, the updated Hong Kong advisory warns that the PRC government uses arbitrary detention and exit bans to:

  • Compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations.
  • Pressure family members to return to the PRC from abroad.
  • Influence PRC authorities to resolve civil disputes in favor
    of PRC citizens.
  • To gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

In most cases, U.S. citizens only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there is no reliable mechanism or legal process to find out how long the ban might continue, or to contest it in a court of law. Further, U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC or Hong Kong may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens may also be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law.

If you or someone you know is considering travel to China or Hong Kong, AlertsUSA strongly recommends carefully reading the entirety of the travel advisories.


AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.


Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (green) heavily infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles purple), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. - ALLOW IMAGES

Coronavirus Update


As of the time of this reports’ preparation on Friday, there were more than 6,455,000 COVID-19 cases reported in the U.S., as well as 198,400 deaths attributed to the virus.

Despite the dramatic influence of politics on the pandemic response, as well as the botched effort of federal and state health authorities in testing and accurate case counting, the two-step and mixed messaging on use of masks, the highly flawed rule-making hampering the use of hydroxychloroquine in the early treatment of those infected with COVID-19 and so much more, AlertsUSA encourages readers to remain conscious of the need to be cautious, not only out of concern for your own well being, but also that of others. There actually is a virus, is still in circulation globally, it is still hospitalizing people globally, and it is still taking lives globally.



SITUATION REPORTS / OFFICIAL CASE NUMBERS


World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.)
Johns Hopkins CSSE (Interactive map updated multiple times daily)

OFFICIAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE RESOURCES


White House: Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
CDC: K-12 Schools: Readiness and Planning Tool
CDC: One-Stop Shop for COVID-19 Resources
Department of Homeland Security / Ready.Gov
World Health Organization

CDC: How to Protect Yourself
CDC: What to Do If You Are Sick

OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION PAGES


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Public Health Agency of Canada
Infection Prevention and Control Canada
World Health Organization


AlertsUSA.com

SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

9/13 – Agitated anti-police protest forming near downtown Lancaster (PA) City Police Bureau flwg shooting of armed black male. Caution urged. Live streams via email.

9/13 – Tropical Storm Sally: Hurricane warnings expanded to include Morgan City, LA to MS / AL state line. Forecast track shifting east of previous. More via email.

9/16 – Law enf across DC area preparing for large protests in the coming days and cont until elections. Caution urged if in or traveling to the region. More via email.

9/17 – AlertsUSA monitoring reports of active shooter situation, Fort Hood, TX. Base currently sheltering in place. Add’l details as warranted.

9/17 – All clear message given at Fort Hood. Malfunctioning alarm caused concerns about an active shooter on post.

9/18 – Tropical Storm Beta forms in the Gulf. Forecast to become a hurricane this weekend. Residents of TX & LA should be monitoring this system.


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* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
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* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
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Trump Admin COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan



The Dept. of Defense and the Dept. of Health and Human Services have released details on the Trump administration’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategy. Specifically, there are two documents, developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that include details on the vaccination program and strategic distribution overview, as well as an interim playbook for state, tribal, territorial, and local public health programs on how to plan and operationalize a vaccination response to COVID-19.


Download the Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine – PDF

Download the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook – PDF

Download the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Process Infographic – PDF


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Why the Next Shooting War Could Go Nuclear


The evidence is easy to spot. China and Russia are deploying greater numbers of “ambiguous,” dual-use ground-launched ballistic missiles. At the same time, the United States’ pursuit of conventional hypersonic missiles of very high speed and accuracy might enable even these non-nuclear weapons to hold nuclear arsenals at risk.


~ READ MORE HERE ~


The Possible Limits of China-Russia Cooperation


Despite China’s planned participation in Russia’s annual Caucus 2020 exercises on September 21-26, Sino-Russian history is so replete with war, unequal treaties and racism, there seems little probability that their present military cooperation will succeed in developing into a military alliance.


~ READ MORE HERE ~


BLM Co-Founder and Pro-Communist
China Group Are Partnering Up


The Black Futures Lab, a venture of Black Lives Matter founder Alicia Garza, is sponsored by the Chinese Progressive Association, a partner of the People’s Republic of China in the U.S.


~ READ MORE HERE ~



Fleet and Marine Tracker Map as of Sept 14, 2020  - ALLOW IMAGES

USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker



These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Sept 14, 2020 based on Navy, public data provided by the U.S. Naval Institute, and open source reporting. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.


An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker leads a joint formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons during Astral Knight in Poland, Sept. 17, 2020. The joint, multinational exercise involves U.S. airmen and soldiers working with service members from Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden.- ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup



AMERICAS


Minnesota man facing terrorism charges
Trump to block downloads of TikTok, WeChat on Sunday
Seven Chinese, including “Apt41” actors, charged with computer intrusion
The Air Force Just Tested “Robot Dogs” For Use In Base Security
US Military Working Dogs Should Be American-Born, Dem Senator Says
CDC Dir walks back testimony that masks work better than vaccines
Secretary of Defense: Beijing & Moscow have weaponized space
It Appears That Google Has A Black List Of Conservative Sites
Nearly two-thirds of US young adults unaware 6m Jews killed in the Holocaust
Who is Secretly Building the USAF’s New Fighter?

EUROPE


‘Very serious situation’ unfolding in Europe as virus cases rise dramatically
European cities announce new restrictions as COVID-19 cases soar
Biden says US trade deal hinges on UK ‘respect’ for Good Friday Agreement
Venus is a Russian planet, Roscosmos chief declares
Russia accuses U.S. of promoting revolution in Belarus, toughens stance
Belarus to close border with Poland and Lithuania – Lukashenko
Belarusian protesters are being tortured by police, human rights experts say
Britain’s PM Johnson has ‘every hope’ of avoiding no-deal Brexit
Germany: Coronavirus vaccine likely available by mid-2021

MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA


Al-Shabab growing more emboldened in targeting US troops
Al-Shabab militant jailed for attack on US base in Kenya
New US Army unit tools African militaries fighting terrorists in Mali
Saudi Arabia may have enough uranium for nuclear fuel and weapons
Stars’ paradise isle in Mozambique overrun by ISIS-linked insurgents
Trump hails new ‘dawn’ as Israel signs accords with Bahrain and UAE
Israeli jets strike Gaza after Palestinian rocket attack
Gaza violence flares after Israel signs deals with Gulf states
Rouhani: UAE, Bahrain will bear ‘consequences’ of Israel deals
US sanctions ‘ruining lives’, Iran tells United Nations court
Syria calls US a ‘rogue state’ over Trump’s kill al-Assad plan
As Lebanon misses deadline to form govt, France urges parties to keep trying
Former Turkish DM says Greece must evacuate from 9 Aegean islands
‘Confounding’: Covid may have already peaked in many African countries
Twelve million S. Africans ‘probably’ had coronavirus
‘All’ armed groups commit to ceasefire in DRC’s South Kivu
Uganda jail break: More than 200 prisoners escape Moroto facility

ASIA


PLA Friday drills not warning, but rehearsal for Taiwan takeover
China’s 3rd carrier under construction in Shanghai’s ‘warship factory’
Is DPRK about to unveil new weapons? Flurry of activity suggests big reveal.
Taiwan scrambles jets after China sends 18 plane show of force during US visit
New Zealand in recession as coronavirus lockdown hits economy
H.R. McMaster says Trump policy in Afghanistan partners with Taliban
Indian, China troops exchanged gunshots twice last week as tensions rose
Taiwan calls for global coalition against China’s aggression as US official flies in
AUS could join the US, Japan and India to create alliance named ‘The Quad’
Japan’s Yoshihide Suga elected PM, to announce ‘continuity’ cabinet
India pushes supplies to disputed China border ahead of winter
India’s coronavirus cases pass 5 million as hospitals scramble for oxygen
‘It’s getting worse by the day’: India’s Covid battle rages on



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Travel Security

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The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation at your destination well prior to departure.

Active USGOV Travel Notices

Worldwide Caution


Active USGOV Travel Advisories

Alphabetical Country List

Dynamic Map


Other USGOV Travel Resources

Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)

Travelers with Special Considerations

Travel to High-Risk Areas

Faith-Based Travel Information

Information for Women Travelers

Cruise Ship Passengers

Students Abroad

Your Health Abroad

Driving and Road Safety Abroad


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The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.

Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance

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Global Affairs Canada


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Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs


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UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office


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NY establishes traveler registration checkpoints at key entry points


NY Mayor de Blasio Announces COVID-19 *registration checkpoints* to Enforce New York State Quarantine Orders


August 5, 2020


NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced COVID-19 traveler registration checkpoints at key entry points into New York City to ensure compliance with New York State quarantine requirements and further the containment of COVID-19.


Travelers who have visited 35 designated states or territories with high COVID-19 transmission rates are required to complete the New York State Department of Health traveler form and quarantine for a period of 14 days upon entering New York City.

The DOF Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will operate traveler registration checkpoints at major bridge and tunnel crossings into New York City. Starting Thursday, August 6, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit will begin outreach at Penn Station to educate travelers about New York State home-quarantine orders. Travelers coming in from these states must complete travel health forms to support contact tracing efforts. The City is also partnering with transportation and tourism companies to direct travelers to complete health forms and educate them about quarantine requirements under state law. The City has also added digital signage at points of entry into the City to increase public awareness of New York State’s registration and quarantine mandates.


“New York City is holding the line against COVID-19, and New Yorkers have shown tremendous discipline,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’re not going to let our hard work slip away and will continue to do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”


“The DOF Sheriff’s Office in coordination with other law enforcement agencies will undertake traveler registration checkpoints at major bridge and tunnel crossings into New York City. As Sheriff, I understand the absolute serious nature of this pandemic as well as this decided course of action. The entire team will strive to ensure the deployment balances the critical public health and welfare needs of the residents of the city with the legal protections entitled to all people,” said Sheriff Joseph Fucito.


“The progress we’re seeing across New York City in reducing transmission of COVID-19 is a collective effort by New Yorkers. We’re focused on continuing and building on those efforts by encouraging those who travel to states with a high COVID positivity rate to follow state law and quarantine at home and only leave if its essential,” said NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director Dr. Ted Long. “This virus is one that affects all and we want to ensure that we continue on a path to keep all New Yorkers safe through awareness and necessary resources.”
NYC Test & Trace Corps is the City’s comprehensive effort to test, trace, and treat every case of COVID-19. Through a partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals, the Corps allows the City to immediately isolate and care for those who test positive for the virus, and then rapidly track, assess, and quarantine anyone they came into contact with who they may have infected.


Non-essential workers subject to the State’s travel quarantine must:

  • Stay at their residence or in a hotel room, leaving only for essential medical appointments or treatment or to obtain food and other essential goods when the delivery of food or other essential goods to their residence or hotel is not feasible;
  • Not invite or allow guests, other than caregivers, into their quarantined residence or hotel room; and
  • Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek appropriate medical advice or testing if COVID-19 symptoms arise.

Essential workers subject to the State’s quarantine must:

  • Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and self-quarantine and seek medical advice or testing if they show symptoms of COVID-19; and
  • Limit their activities involving contact with other persons for fourteen (14) days to the purposes that exempted them from the self-quarantine requirement to the extent possible.
  • If staying longer than 36 hours in New York state, seek diagnostic testing for COVID-19 as soon as possible upon arrival (within 24 hours).

Failure to quarantine is a violation of State law, and individuals who fail to quarantine are subject to a $10,000 fine. Individuals who refuse to fill out the New York State Department of Health travel form are subject to a $2,000 fine.


The travel advisory list as of August 5, 2020 includes:
Alaska
Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Mexico
Nevada
Ohio
Oklahoma
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin


Read Original:

https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/574-20/mayor-de-blasio-covid-19-checkpoints-enforce-new-york-state-quarantine-orders


Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.



Via: threatjournal


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National Situation Update- 4/19/2020

WEEKLY THREAT AND ALERT ROUNDUP


New Whitehouse Guidelines to Reopen America

New White House Guidelines to Reopen America


April 18, 2020


  

Between April 14-17, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

4/17 – VPOTUS: All 50 states and all territories are now under a federal disaster declaration for the first time in American history.

4/16 – Guidelines for Opening Up American Again: Note that “Use of face coverings while in public” is in the guidance for all phases.
4/16 – White House releases Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, incl proposed gating criteria, state resp, guidelines for individuals & employers, etc. See email.

4/16 – Governors of IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, OH & WI form partnership to reopen the economy in the Midwest region while maximizing health and safety. More via email.

4/15 – Sec of Agriculture Perdue: Bare shelves in grocery stores are “a demand issue, not a supply issue. In the U.S. we have plenty of food for all of our citizens.”

4/14 – POTUS halts all funding of World Health Organization as USGOV investigates their recent failed response to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

What You Need To Know

This week President Trump announced a three-phase road map to reopening the country’s economy and for the states to begin lifting restrictions on businesses and social gatherings. These guidelines explicitly leave the time table for opening up their states to the governors.

Before the phases can be initiated, states must meet a series of “gating criteria” including a downward trajectory of confirmed cases, as well as a decreasing number of cases of patients with Covid-19 symptoms over a 14-day period.

During phase one, vulnerable populations continue to shelter at home, outside the home social distancing is still practiced and gathering in groups of more than ten people is not allowed. Schools remain closed but restaurants and other gathering places can operate only while enforcing strict physical distancing protocols.

In phase two, gatherings of more than 50 people are discouraged, but non-essential travel can resume. Schools can reopen and large venues including restaurants can operate with only moderate physical distancing.

Phase three represents a return to what is being called the “new normal” – going about normal life with a focus on good hygiene, hand-washing and keeping as much space as possible between people when outside the home and with everyone avoiding crowds wherever possible.

It is important to note that in each of these phases, the guidelines call for the wearing of masks while in public. And for the doubters, yes, they do work.

1.) They offer protection for you by reducing the possibility of inhalation of infectious aerosols.

2.) They offer protection for others by reducing the possibility of YOU spreading infectious aerosols. Remember, one can be infected with the virus and be completely asymptomatic, while still being wildly infectious.

View the guidelines HERE

Download the guidelines HERE (PDF)


O

FFICIAL CASE NUMBERS

World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.)
Johns Hopkins CSSE (Interactive map updated multiple times daily)

Johns Hopkins CSSE COVID-19 Case Count (Interactive map updated multiple times daily) - ALLOW IMAGES

Johns Hopkins CSSE COVID-19 U.S. Case Count Graph - ALLOW IMAGES


WHO RISK OF SPREAD & IMPACT ASSESSMENT

China Very High
Regional Level Very High
Global Level Very High


PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE RESOURCES


White House

The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America (PDF)


Official Coronavirus Information Pages:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Public Health Agency of Canada
Infection Prevention and Control Canada
World Health Organization

Official Pandemic Preparedness Guidance:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Homeland Security / Ready.Gov
World Health Organization

DIY CLOTH MASK RESOURCES

Don’t buy the masks online. At the present time, most retail masks are made in China anyhow. Make it at home.

CDC Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
Instructables DIY Cloth Face Mask
NYT How to Sew a Face Mask
The Olson Mask Pattern


Assorted Resources

(While some of the resources below were prepared for pandemic influenza, the broader guidance contain therein is directly applicable to the current coronavirus crisis).


Home Care for Patients w/ Suspected Coronavirus Infection
Community Mitigation Guidelines to Prevent Pandemic Influenza
Fundamentals of Emergency Planning for Schools
Healthcare Systems Preparedness for COVID-19
Pub Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness & Response (SARS)
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Faith-based & Community Org. Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist
WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu
Dept of Defense Coronavirus Response Page
DHS Supplemental Instructions For Inbound Flights


View Last Week’s Issue


AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.


AlertsUSA.com

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

3/31 – Shallow M6.5 earthquake in Southern Idaho, 72km W of Challis. AlertsUSA monitoring for damage reports.

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* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* 18 Years in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!


Server Farm

Feds Warn of N. Korea Cyber Threat
to Critical Infrastructure


On April 15, the following related Flash SMS message
was sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

4/15 – State Dept, Treasury, DHS & FBI issue advisory highlighting disruptive / destructive cyber activities of DPRK affecting US critical infrastructure.


What You Need To Know

On Wednesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a joint advisory issued by the State Dept, Treasury, DHS & FBI highlighting the disruptive and destructive cyber activities of North Korea affecting US critical infrastructure. North Korea’s malicious cyber activities threaten the United States and the broader international community and, in particular, pose a significant threat to the integrity and stability of the international financial system.

Under the pressure of robust U.S. and UN sanctions, North Korea has increasingly relied on illicit activities – including cybercrime – to generate revenue for its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. These activities include a wide range of malware tools, Cyber-Enabled Financial Theft and Money Laundering, Extortion Campaigns through compromising an entity’s network and threatening to shut it down unless the entity pays a ransom, as well as cryptojacking, which is a scheme to compromise a victim’s machine and steal its computing resources to mine digital currency.

Download the full advisory HERE (PDF – Dept. of Treasury website)



Medical staff stand by at the ready to recieve incoming patients at an outdoor triage center.


We Are Probably Only One-Tenth of
the Way Through This Pandemic


Getting out of the lockdown — and out of your shelter-in-place bunker — is not the beginning of the end of the pandemic. It is only the end of the beginning — the very brief beginning of what seems likely to be an epically long saga of disease, fear, and uncertainty.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


Even Expected Pandemics Are Problematic.
Still, We Can Learn From Them

Generals are often accused of “fighting the last war,” meaning they prepare for wars similar to ones most recently fought, rather than preparing for a different type of warfare that the future will bring. The next security challenge America faces will likely take a still different form. Working together, Congress, states and administration will need to effectively address the deficiencies uncovered in this emergency while being careful not to undermine other areas of national security.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


How WHO Parroted Chinese Lies as
Coronavirus Pandemic Unfolded

The World Heath Organization has found itself with serious questions to answer after President Trump accused the UN agency of ‘severely mismanaging’ its response to the coronavirus pandemic and withheld $500million in funding.

The WHO has been spearheading global efforts to fight the virus, but has come under attack for playing along with China as the country sought to minimize its initial outbreak and the threat the disease posed.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


China’s Aircraft Carriers: Bark or Bite?

China currently has two carriers and a third in the shipyard, with a fourth planned. But what is the Chinese aircraft carrier program like?

~ READ MORE HERE ~



Fleet and Marine Tracker Map as of April 13, 2020  - ALLOW IMAGE8

USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker



These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 13th, 2020 based on Navy, public data provided by the U.S. Naval Institute, and open source reporting. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.


Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Micah Callwood signals an Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey to land during flight operations aboard the USS America in the Philippine Sea, April 14, 2020.

World News Roundup


AMERICAS

Canada to keep border restrictions with U.S. for a ‘significant’ time
World Marks 100 Days Since The Iranian Downing Of Ukraine Int’l Flight 752
Canada, Ukraine reject report Iran seeking legal immunity for fatal plane crash
U.N. warns downturn could kill hundreds of thousands of children in 2020
COVID-19 to have ‘immediate and drastic’ impact on Canadian meat supply
USS Theodore Roosevelt Outbreak Is Linked to Flight Crews, Not Vietnam Visit
PRC, Russian Subs May Soon Face UUV-Launched US Sea Mines
HIV-Discoverer Says COVID-19 “Could Only Have Been Created In A Lab”
Police collect nearly 800 bodies from Ecuador’s virus epicentre
Warnings as Nicaragua continues life as normal
U.S. offers $10 million reward for Hezbollah’s commander in Iraq
How the coronavirus is reshaping terrorists’ attack plans

EUROPE

A third of French aircraft carrier crew have Covid-19, says defence ministry
US sailors aboard French aircraft carrier have tested positive for the virus
Russia’s Coronavirus Outbreak Is ‘Changing for the Worse,’ Putin Warns
Russian Covid-19 cases exceed 21,000, Putin warns of ‘extraordinary crisis’
Russian Veterans Urge Putin to Postpone WWII Parade Over Virus
Russia tests anti-satellite missile, US general says
Russian jet buzzes Navy P-8 Poseidon within 25 feet, intercept lasts 42 minutes
Russia says it’s ready for hypersonic missile talks with U.S.
Italy’s Covid-19 death toll tops 20,000
Hundreds of thousands return to work as Spain relaxes coronavirus lockdown
UK to remain in lockdown as coronavirus deaths rise above 11,000
Promising ‘better days,’ Macron extends France’s lockdown until May 11
Huawei urges UK not to make 5G U-turn after pandemic
Trump halts US funding for WHO as it conducts coronavirus review
WHO chief says he ‘regrets’ Trump’s decision to suspend funding

MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

Iranian boats come ‘dangerously’ close to US navy warships
American F-35s overfly Special Operations bases in Syria
US Flexes Military Might Near Russian Forces In Syria
Armed men board vessel in Gulf of Oman
U.S. oil sanctions against Iran are unjust: Rouhani
Iran records 4,585 coronavirus deaths as restrictions eased
Turkish parliament passes bill to release thousands from prison amid COVID-19
Yemen ‘faces nightmare’ as first coronavirus case confirmed
COVID-19: 4 health officials sacked in Saudi Arabia
Libyan coronavirus hospital closes amid attacks
Second wave of locusts in east Africa said to be 20 times worse
Ebola deaths in Congo halt plan to declare virus eradicated

ASIA

Possible Chinese nuclear testing stirs US concern
DPRK fires barrage of missiles on eve of founder’s birthday, ROK’s elections
On N. Korea’s most important holiday, Kim Jong Un was nowhere to be seen
Chinese Communist Party didn’t warn public for 6 KEY DAYS
IMF: Pandemic to bring Asia’s 2020 growth to halt for first time in 60 years
A few reasons why China’s navy gloating is badly misplaced
China’s claim of zero coronavirus infections in military is bogus, expert says
China Gleeful That 4 US Carriers Hampered By COVID-19
China expects no large-scale foreign investment withdrawal amid outbreak
China’s Export Restrictions Delaying Medical Supply Shipments To U.S.
It’s Not Just the WHO: How China Is Moving on the Whole U.N.
China tries reviving economy after lockdown but consumer engine sputters
Kazakhstan Protests Over Chinese Article Questioning Its Territorial Integrity



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Travel Security

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The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation at your destination well prior to departure.


Active USGOV Travel Notices

Worldwide Caution


Active USGOV Travel Advisories

Alphabetical Country List

Dynamic Map


Other USGOV Travel Resources

Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)

Travelers with Special Considerations

Travel to High-Risk Areas

Faith-Based Travel Information

Information for Women Travelers

Cruise Ship Passengers

Students Abroad

Your Health Abroad

Driving and Road Safety Abroad


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The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.

Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance

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Global Affairs Canada


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Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs


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UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office


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National Situation Update- 4/5/2020

WEEKLY THREAT AND ALERT ROUNDUP


CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. - ALLOW IMAGES

CDC: Everyone Should Wear Face Masks In Public


April 4, 2020

Between March 28 – April 3, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

4/3 – POTUS: CDC recommending all Americans wear basic cloth mask to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This is voluntary, but recommended.

4/2 – NY Mayor tells city residents they should wear homemade face coverings in public to help prevent further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

4/1 – POTUS: US launching enhanced counter-narcotics ops in the Western Hemisphere. Add’l ships & aircraft being deployed to E. Pacific and Caribbean.

4/1 – USNORTHCOM Cmdr. Gen O’Shaughnessy: DoD to incr mil presence on US/MX border to protect nation from poss COVID-19 migrants. Hundreds of troops to deploy soon.

4/1 – FL Gov. DeSantis to issue 30-day stay-at-home order for state’s ~21 million residents unless they are pursuing “essential services or activities.”

3/31 – POTUS: “Absolutely critical to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days. It’s a matter of life and death.” “This is going to be a rough two-week period.”

3/30 – VA Gov. issues stay-at-home order for the state. MD Gov. issues stay-at-home order for the state. PA Gov. closes all schools indefinitely.

3/29 – TX Gov orders mandatory 14-day quarantine for arrivals, by air or land, from LA, NY, NJ & CT. Trip details & contact info collected, to be enforced by TX DPS.

3/29 – FL Gov. orders checkpoints at state borders to stop drivers coming from COVID-19 hot spots. Trip details & contact info collected, quarantine orders given.

3/28 – The CDC urges residents of NY, NJ, and CT to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. More via email.

3/28 – Speaking to reporters minutes ago, POTUS says considering imposing a quarantine for COVID-19 hot spots such as NY, extending to NJ & CT. AlertsUSA monitoring..

What You Need To Know

On 12 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding safety and security matters. 11 these alerts dealt with the worsening domestic and international public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus.


DOMESTIC TRAVEL ADVISORY


Beginning last Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Domestic Travel Advisory for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, urging residents of these three state to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. While the CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States, cases of coronavirus disease are widespread in each of these states, and in crowded travel settings, there may be an increased chance or getting or spreading COVID-19, particularly as it is possible to be shedding the virus while being completely asymptomatic.


FLORIDA HIGHWAY CHECKPOINTS


Last week, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-80 in response to a growing number of individuals fleeing these states, arriving in Florida and exposing residents to the disease. The action mandates individuals arriving in Florida from these states must isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from when they arrive, or for their entire stay if shorter than 14 days.

This week, DeSantis issued a new Executive Order extending the quarantine requirement to motorists arriving in Florida from areas with significant community spread (LA, NY, NJ, CT, etc..), and to require those persons to provide information, including in a written form, regarding the origin of their travel and the address of their location of isolation or quarantine for a period of 14 days. Failure to complete the form and failure to follow isolation or quarantine orders from the Dept. of Health are considered a violation of Florida law.


TEXAS HIGHWAY CHECKPOINTS


On Sunday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order mandating a 14-day quarantine for road travelers arriving in Texas from any location in Louisiana. The self-quarantine procedure will mirror the process outlined in the Governor’s previous Executive Order requiring mandatory self-quarantine for air travelers from the New York Tri-State Area and New Orleans.

These quarantine orders for both Florida and Texas do not apply to travel related to commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical infrastructure functions.


ANOTHER 30 DAYS


Also on Sunday, President Donald Trump extended the voluntary national shutdown for another 30 days as sickness and death from the coronavirus pandemic continue to rise in the U.S


ROUGH TWO-WEEK PERIOD


On Tuesday afternoon during the daily Coronavirus Task Force briefing, President Trump warned the nation to brace for a “rough two-week period” ahead as new projections indicate there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained. Public health officials stress that the number could be less if people change their behavior. According to Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the Coronavirus Task Force, “We really believe we can do a lot better than that” if all Americans take seriously their role in preventing the spread of disease.


TROOPS TO THE BORDER


On Wednesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of an announcement by Gen. Terrance O’Shaughnessy, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, that the Dept. of Defense would be increasing the military presence on US/Mexico border to protect nation from possible COVID-19 migrants. Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson, the commander of U.S. Army North, said the additional 540 U.S. troops would help Border Patrol with newly granted authorities to apprehend and immediately return migrants potentially infected with COVID-19.


CDC RECOMMENDS MASKS


And on Friday, President Trump announced a new CDC recommendation that all Americans wear basic cloth masks, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission of the coronavirus. According to the CDC, recent studies show that a portion of individuals with coronavirus are “asymptomatic,” or not showing any symptoms, but can still transmit the virus to others. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity, including just speaking, even though no one might be exhibiting symptoms at that time.

In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain such as in grocery stores and pharmacies, and especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. For clarity, this is a voluntary public health measure, and is intended to compliment, and not replace, the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, which remains the cornerstone of the national effort to slow the spread of the disease.


DIY CLOTH MASK RESOURCES


Don’t buy the masks online. Most are made in China anyhow.


Make it at home.

CDC Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
Instructables DIY Cloth Face Mask
NYT How to Sew a Face Mask
The Olson Mask Pattern



OFFICIAL CASE NUMBERS

World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.)
Johns Hopkins CSSE (Interactive map updated multiple times daily)

Johns Hopkins CSSE COVID-19 Case Count (Interactive map updated multiple times daily) - ALLOW IMAGES

Johns Hopkins CSSE COVID-19 U.S. Case Count Graph - ALLOW IMAGES

WHO RISK OF SPREAD & IMPACT ASSESSMENT


China Very High
Regional Level Very High
Global Level Very High


PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE RESOURCES


White House

The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America (PDF)


Official Coronavirus Information Pages:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Public Health Agency of Canada
Infection Prevention and Control Canada
World Health Organization


Official Pandemic Preparedness Guidance:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Homeland Security / Ready.Gov
World Health Organization


Assorted Resources

(While some of the resources below were prepared for pandemic influenza, the broader guidance contain therein is directly applicable to the current coronavirus crisis).

Home Care for Patients w/ Suspected Coronavirus Infection
Community Mitigation Guidelines to Prevent Pandemic Influenza
Fundamentals of Emergency Planning for Schools
Healthcare Systems Preparedness for COVID-19
Pub Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness & Response (SARS)
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Faith-based & Community Org. Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist
WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu
Dept of Defense Coronavirus Response Page
DHS Supplemental Instructions For Inbound Flights



View Last Week’s Issue



AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.



AlertsUSA.com

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

3/31 – Shallow M6.5 earthquake in Southern Idaho, 72km W of Challis. AlertsUSA monitoring for damage reports.

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* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
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We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!



Communication is key to any mission and Soldiers from the 63rd Expeditionary Signal Battalion are supporting U. S. Army North (Fifth Army)in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing reliable communications for medical units, logistical units, and headquarters staff. These missions are part of Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA). Teams are actively providing support to medical units at the Jacob Javits center in New York City and have postured at Joint-Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ and Anderson, SC for follow-on missions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) - ALLOW IMAGES


Pandemics and the U.S. Military:
Lessons from 1918

The novel coronavirus will hit the U.S. military and its allies hard, as already there have been outbreaks at the Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island and on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. How hard will depend on a number of variables — some having to do with the virus itself (how and to what extent it mutates, whether it comes back in subsequent waves, etc.) and others having to do with what measures militaries take to protect themselves. But it would be foolhardy to underestimate the damage COVID-19 could do.

~ READ MORE HERE ~


Why A Coronavirus Vaccine May Be Years Away

Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia and co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, says, “I don’t see eighteen months—Dr. Anthony Fauci could see something I don’t here, he is certainly closer to it—but I think eighteen months is a very, very, very optimistic timeline.”

~ READ MORE HERE ~


Coronavirus: China Floods Europe
With Defective Medical Equipment

As the coronavirus rages across Europe, a growing number of countries are reporting that millions of pieces of medical equipment donated by, or purchased from, China to defeat the pandemic are defective and unusable

~ READ MORE HERE ~


These 23 Air Force Missions Are
Transferring to the Space Force

The U.S. Air Force has identified 23 organizations and units with space-specific missions that will transition to the U.S. Space Force over the next six months.

~ READ MORE HERE ~



Fleet and Marine Tracker Map as of April 3, 2020  - ALLOW IMAGE8

USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker



These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 3rd, 2020 based on Navy, public data provided by the U.S. Naval Institute, and open source reporting. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.


USNS Comfort arrives in New York Harbor, March 31, 2020.


World News Roundup



AMERICAS

With COVID-19 threat, USAF takes steps to protect its most important missions
Naval War College pandemic war game in 2019 had eerie parallels
Navy Rushes Shipbuilding Deals To Keep Yards Going In Pandemic
World’s largest aircraft will now test hypersonics for the military
Pentagon orders 100,000 body bags as 200,000 people are expected to die
500 troops to Mexican border to aid agents struggling with security
Trump sends Navy destroyers and combat ships to crack down on ‘traffickers
Marine Corps boot camp base Parris Island stops accepting new recruits
Treasury sanctions Quds force fronts in Iraq
265 MILLION Americans – 80% of the population – ordered to stay home
Amid coronavirus scare, Americans flock to remote land, survival retreats
Outbreak could leave lasting imprint: Masks as normal part of life…
NYC mayor urges people to cover faces in public
One in four coronavirus patients have NO symptoms, CDC director
Half of humanity now on lockdown as 90 countries call for confinement
3.4 million travellers poured into US as coronavirus pandemic erupted
Why A Coronavirus Vaccine May Be Years Away
Navy fires captain of aircraft carrier over leak of letter to leadership
Economic fallout mounts, worldwide cases top 1 million
Venezuelan Navy boat rams German cruise ship and sinks


EUROPE

Coronavirus Started in China, but Europe Became the Hub for Its Global Spread
U.S. paying Russia for entire planeload of coronavirus equipment
Nato names expert panel after Emmanuel Macron ‘brain death’ remarks
France reports new daily record of 509 coronavirus deaths
French PM warns lockdown will not be lifted ‘in one go’
UK reports daily death toll of 563 in worst day of coronavirus crisis
Trump tears into Boris Johnson’s failure to respond early to coronavirus crisis
Prince Charles: COVID-19 is ‘strange,’ ‘frustrating’ and ‘distressing’
Wimbledon is CANCELLED for the first time since World War II
Germany suffers biggest daily jump in coronavirus deaths for 2nd day in a row
Merkel tells Germans to stay home until after Easter to beat virus


MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

Iran warns about American ‘military moves’ in Iraq
Trump warns Iran of ‘heavy price’ in case of attack on US troops
U.S. says believes Iran directly involved in killing of Iranian dissident in Turkey
Africa faces an ‘existential threat’ as virus cases spread
ISIS tells followers to show no mercy and launch attacks during COVID-19 crisis
2nd aircraft carrier set to leave the Middle East
South Africa: Impressions from a country in lockdown
With no space or water, Cape Town slum has little to face coronavirus
Coronavirus outbreak hinders run-up to Ethiopia elections
Somalia bans swimming over Covid-19
East Africa locust swarms gather as coronavirus curbs delay pesticides
G-20 prepares coronavirus rescue package for Africa
Iran hits out at US as virus death toll passes 3,000
Coronavirus: Iran is facing a major challenge controlling the outbreak
Turkey’s coronavirus death toll rises to 277, with 15,679 total cases
War-torn Yemen ‘not equipped’ for potential coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia asks Muslims to delay Hajj bookings
Israelis told to mask up in public, mark religious holidays with close family only
Israel to transfer all travelers from abroad to quarantine facilities


ASIA

Japanese warship, China fishing boat collide in East China Sea
Beijing ‘will not stand by and watch Huawei be slaughtered
Wuhan Residents Line Up for Hours to Buy Graves for Loved Ones
Wuhan’s lockdown is being lifted but doubts remain it will ever return to normal
Coronavirus fear stokes panic buying and price rises in Afghanistan
Indonesia bans foreigners as study warns 240,000 could die from coronavirus
Australia’s slow reaction to the coronavirus crisis
Australia starts putting time limits on ‘draconian’ virus measures
Chinese county goes into coronavirus lockdown amid fear of second wave
China says new coronavirus cases drop, starts posting asymptomatic tally too
China reports asymptomatic cases — nearly 150 — for first time
Wuhan’s first ‘imported case’: Chinese student, 16, who studies in the UK
Beijing comes cautiously back to life as COVID-19 hits hardest beyond China
Coronavirus: How China’s using surveillance to tackle outbreak
Virus data: What’s known and not known about China’s numbers



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Travel Security

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The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation at your destination well prior to departure.


Active USGOV Travel Notices

Worldwide Caution



Active USGOV Travel Advisories

Alphabetical Country List

Dynamic Map



Other USGOV Travel Resources

Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)

Travelers with Special Considerations

Travel to High-Risk Areas

Faith-Based Travel Information

Information for Women Travelers

Cruise Ship Passengers

Students Abroad

Your Health Abroad

Driving and Road Safety Abroad


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The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.


Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance

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Global Affairs Canada


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Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs


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UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office


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President warns next two weeks will be rough

POTUS: “Absolutely critical to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days. It’s a matter of life and death.” “This is going to be a rough two-week period.”

 

Supplemental Info:

 

The White House guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19:

  • Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
  • If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
  • If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
  • If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
  • If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.**

     

  • If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
  • Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:
  • Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
  • If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
  • Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
  • Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
  • Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
    Practice good hygiene:
  • Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
  • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
  •  

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDELINES PDF

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf

 

Official Coronavirus Information Pages

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration

Public Health Agency of Canada

Infection Prevention and Control Canada

World Health Organization

 

Official Pandemic Preparedness Guidance:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Department of Homeland Security / Ready.Gov

World Health Organization

 

Assorted Additional Resources

 

(While some of the resources below were prepared for pandemic influenza, the broader guidance contain therein is directly applicable to the current coronavirus crisis).


Community Mitigation Guidelines to Prevent Pandemic Influenza
Fundamentals of Emergency Planning for Schools
Healthcare Systems Preparedness for COVID-19
Pub Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness & Response
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Faith-based & Community Org. Pandemic Influenza Checklist
WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu
Dept of Defense Coronavirus Response Page
DHS Supplemental Instructions For Inbound Flights

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

 

 

Via: threatjournal


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Checkpoints at state borders and mandatory quarantine for arrivals from LA, NY, NJ & CT.

TX Gov orders mandatory 14-day quarantine for arrivals, by air or land, from LA, NY, NJ & CT. Trip details & contact info collected, to be enforced by TX DPS.


Supplemental Info:

The order was announced at a briefing a short time ago:

“My prior executive order about travel from New Orleans covered air travel from New Orleans into the state of Texas. Now, I am updating that executive order to also include travel by road. Travel by road from any location in the state of Louisiana. Importantly, this executive order does not apply to travel related to commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical infrastructure functions. This order will be enforced like the order that I issued previously about travel from New Orleans. It will be enforced by the Department of Public Safety at and near entry points from Louisiana.”


The order does not include military, commercial or infrastructure travel, DPS checkpoints have been establish to enforce the new policy.


Those who do not follow the guidelines of the order will be subject to a $1,000 fine or 180 days in jail, the order states.

————————



FL Gov. orders checkpoints at state borders to stop drivers coming from COVID-19 hot spots. Trip details & contact info collected, quarantine orders given.


Supplemental Info:

Motorists entering FL from areas with significant community spread ( LA, NY, NJ, CT, etc..) will be stopped. Those travelers will be required to isolate for a period of 14 days upon entry to Florida or for the duration of their visit, whichever is shorter, and should be prepared for additional monitoring by DOH to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.


Military, emergency, health or infrastructure response, or persons involved in any commercial activity, including individuals that live in Georgia and commute to work in Florida are not part of the order.


Others will be required to fill out a traveler form at the border, asking for each traveler’s contact information and trip details. Failure to complete the form and failure to follow any isolation or quarantine order from the FL DOH are considered a violation of Florida law.


———————————-


The CDC urges residents of NY, NJ, and CT to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.


Supplemental Info:

CDC Issues Domestic Travel Advisory for
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

The CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply. These employees of critical infrastructure, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce) have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedule. The Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have full discretion to implement this Domestic Travel Advisory.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html


—————————–


Official Coronavirus Information Pages

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration

Public Health Agency of Canada

Infection Prevention and Control Canada

World Health Organization


Official Pandemic Preparedness Guidance:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Department of Homeland Security / Ready.Gov

World Health Organization


Assorted Additional Resources

(While some of the resources below were prepared for pandemic influenza, the broader guidance contain therein is directly applicable to the current coronavirus crisis).

Community Mitigation Guidelines to Prevent Pandemic Influenza
Fundamentals of Emergency Planning for Schools
Healthcare Systems Preparedness for COVID-19
Pub Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness & Response
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Faith-based & Community Org. Pandemic Influenza Checklist
WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu
Dept of Defense Coronavirus Response Page
DHS Supplemental Instructions For Inbound Flights



Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.




Via: threatjournal




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National Situation Update- 3/29/2020

WEEKLY THREAT AND ALERT ROUNDUP

 

 

Governors across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. have each mobilized components of their Army and Air National Guard. - ALLOW IMAGES

 

Military Response Widens as Pandemic Rages

 

March 28, 2020

 

 

3/21 – NY Center (ZNY) has gone ATC Zero. Ground stop for all departures at NYC area airports -JFK, LGA, EWR, TEB & ISP after employee tests positive for COVID-19.

3/22 – Governors of Ohio and Louisiana issue ‘Stay at Home’ orders due to spread of COVID-19. Action includes closure of all non-essential businesses.

3/22 – POTUS: Multiple federal medical stations w/ thousands of beds being deployed to NY, CA & WA. Army Corps of Engineers to construct alt care sites in NY.

3/22 – Title 32 Nat’l Guard activation approved by POTUS for NY, CA & WA. See your email for more information.

3/22 – POTUS declares major disaster exists in CA, orders federal assistance to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by COVID-19.

3/23 – FL Gov. DeSantis to sign executive order requiring mandatory 14-day self-isolation for anyone traveling to FL from airports in NY and NJ. AlertsUSA Monitoring..

3/24 – India’s prime minister decrees lockdown of entire nation of 1.3 billion for 21 days to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

3/24 – US Army: 531st Hospital (Fort Campbell, KY), 627th Hospital (Fort Carson, CO) & 9th Hospital (Fort Hood, TX) to deploy to NY & WA state to battle COVID-19.

3/25 – POTUS approves federal disaster declarations for Florida and Texas due to impact of COVID-19 coronavirus, opening door for expanded assistance by FEMA.

3/25 – SecDef issues STOP MOVEMENT order halting all travel & movement abroad for up to 60 days for all US troops, civilian pers & family members due to COVID-19.

3/25 – CO Gov Polis issues emergency Stay at Home order starting 3/26 @ 6:00AM thru 4/11 to minimize spread of COVID-19. Critical businesses exempt.

3/26 – RI Gov: 14-day self quarantine for anyone who has traveled to NY in last 14 days forward. Natl Guard & State Police to inform visitors & collect contact info.

3/27 – POTUS orders select reserve and individual ready reserve units of the armed forces to active duty. More info via email

 

What You Need To Know

 

On 15 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding safety and security matters. 13 these alerts dealt with the worsening domestic and international public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

 

STAY AY HOME ORDERS

 

Beginning last Sunday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of new orders issued by the governors of Ohio and Louisiana for their residents to ‘Stay at Home’ in order to minimize human to human transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus. With the addition of Colorado and North Carolina later in the week, this brings to 26 the number of states officially urging all but essential workers to stay at home and practice social distancing.

Also this week, President Trump signed major disaster declarations for CA, FL, TX, NJ, MD, SC, PR and others, formally opening the door for increased federal assistance to supplement state, local, and tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the coronavirus.

 

DON’T COME HERE

 

On Tuesday,  Florida Governor DeSantis’ intent to sign an executive order requiring mandatory 14-day self-isolation for anyone traveling to Florida whose point of departure originated in an area with substantial community spread of the coronavirus, to include the New York Tri-State Area. This executive order specifically spells out that Florida is experiencing an increase in individuals fleeing from states where “shelter-in-place” orders are being implemented.

Later in the week, Governor DeSantis ordered the establishment of checkpoints along Florida’s major roadways in order to identify and inform individuals driving in from the New York Tri-State Area, as well Louisiana, of the mandatory requirement to self-quarantine for two weeks. Similar action was taken by the governor of Rhode Island, who called on the National Guard and State police to issue these notices at all major travel hubs as well as the State’s roadways.

 

MILITARY RESPONSE

 

Also on Tuesday, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy issued deployment orders to three Army hospital centers. The orders affect the 531st Hospital from Fort Campbell, Kentucky; the 627th Hospital from Fort Carson, Colorado; and the 9th Hospital from Fort Hood, Texas, which will deploy to New York and Washington state. All of these hospital units are active duty,

On Wednesday the Department of Defense had enacted a 60-day stop movement order for all uniformed and civilian personnel and their sponsored family members overseas. Here again, the measure is taken to aid in further prevention of the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), to protect U.S. personnel and preserve operational readiness.

Quoting from the DoD media release on the order:

“Building upon previously enacted movement restrictions governing foreign travel, permanent change of station moves, temporary duty and personal leave, this stop movement order will also impact exercises, deployments, redeployments and other global force management activities. Approximately 90,000 Service Members slated to deploy or redeploy over the next 60 days will likely be impacted by this most recent order.”

On Friday, subscribers were also notified President Trump had ordered select reserve and individual ready reserve units of the armed forces to active duty. The Executive Order gives the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, authorization to order to active duty not to exceed 24 consecutive months, such units, and individual members of the Ready Reserve as they consider necessary.

As of Friday morning, there are more than 12,300 Air and Army National Guard professionals are supporting the COVID-19 crisis response at the direction of their governors.

In addition, 11 states and two territories have approved use of Dual-Status Commanders, giving them the authority to command active and reserve component troops under control of a state’s governor.

Governors across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. have each mobilized components of their Army and Air National Guard to assist in their state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. military has activated its “defense support of civil authorities” apparatus, establishing liaisons in all 50 states, activating units and command posts, and moving forces to provide medical, transportation, logistics, and communications support in New York and Washington states.

 

GM HIT WITH DPA HAMMER

 

And on Friday, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize federal contracts for respiratory ventilators.

Quoting from the President’s statement on the memorandum:

“Our negotiations with GM regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course. GM was wasting time. Today’s action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives.”

Earlier Friday, President Trump expressed on Twitter that he was losing his patience with GM.

“General Motors MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!! FORD, GET GOING ON VENTILATORS, FAST!!!!!! “

 


 

 

OFFICIAL CASE NUMBERS

World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control (U.S.)
Johns Hopkins CSSE (Interactive map updated multiple times daily)

 

Johns Hopkins CSSE COVID-19 Case Count (Interactive map updated multiple times daily) - ALLOW IMAGES

Johns Hopkins CSSE COVID-19 U.S. Case Count Graph - ALLOW IMAGES

WHO RISK OF SPREAD & IMPACT ASSESSMENT

 

China Very High
Regional Level Very High
Global Level Very High

 

PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES

 

Official Coronavirus Information Pages:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
Public Health Agency of Canada
Infection Prevention and Control Canada
World Health Organization

 

Official Pandemic Preparedness Guidance:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Homeland Security / Ready.Gov
World Health Organization

 

Assorted Resources

(While some of the resources below were prepared for pandemic influenza, the broader guidance contain therein is directly applicable to the current coronavirus crisis).

 

Home Care for Patients w/ Suspected Coronavirus Infection
Community Mitigation Guidelines to Prevent Pandemic Influenza
Fundamentals of Emergency Planning for Schools
Healthcare Systems Preparedness for COVID-19
Pub Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness & Response (SARS)
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Faith-based & Community Org. Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist
WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu
Dept of Defense Coronavirus Response Page
DHS Supplemental Instructions For Inbound Flights

 

 


 

 

View Last Week’s Issue

 

 


 

AlertsUSA continues to monitor the domestic and international threat environment around the clock and will immediately notify service subscribers, via SMS messages to their mobile devices, of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.

 


 

AlertsUSA.com

 

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

3/24 – M7.8 earthquake east of the Kuril Islands, Russia. Based on preliminary parameters, hazardous tsunami waves possible for coasts within 1000 km of epicenter.

3/24 – Tsunami watch issued for Hawaii flwg M7.5 EQ (updated) east of the Kuril Islands. More info via email.

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March 28, 2020

 

China Wants to Rule the Waves – Here’s How the U.S. Can Stop It

What are the key decisions coming in terms of the size of the U.S. fleet, its mixes of capability and readiness? How will those decisions be influenced by the rise of a true peer competitor over the coming decades?

~ READ MORE HERE ~

 

In War Against Coronavirus: Is China Foe—or Friend?

Can the US and China be ruthless rivals and intense partners at the same time? Holding two seemingly contradictory ideas in our head simultaneously will be difficult. But success in defeating this demon will require nothing less.

~ READ MORE HERE ~

 

Muslim Extremists Exploit Coronavirus to Promote Terrorism,
Hate; and Other Muslims that Need the World’s Help

As scientists and other “infidels” around the world, including Israel, are working around the clock to find a vaccine for the virus, the Muslim Brotherhood organization and some of its allies are issuing fatwas (Islamic religious opinions) that expose dangerous goals, a dangerous ideology, and a disregard for human life.

~ READ MORE HERE ~

 

Pandemics and the Future of Military Training

In an attempt to curb the coronavirus’ spread, the Pentagon has shuttered recruitment centers, restricted travel, and canceled or significantly scaled back training events, from drills to large-scale exercises, like Exercise Defender- Europe 2020. This has led some to question what may be the long-term implications of the crisis on future military readiness. Indeed, as training and military professionalism are increasingly highlighted as key factors in overall battlefield effectiveness, how can the military maintain its training regime in the midst of a global pandemic?

~ READ MORE HERE ~

 

 


 

Fleet and Marine Tracker Map as of March 23, 2020  - ALLOW IMAGE8

USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker

 

March 28, 2020

 

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of March 23, 2020 based on Navy and public data provided by the U.S. Naval Institute. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

 


 

Army 1st Lt. Alex Heeschen operates an AT4 anti-tank rocket during training in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, March 19, 2020. - ALLOW IMAGES

 

World News Roundup

 

 

Other Developments We Are Following

 

AMERICAS

American Woman Rescued in Secretive Military Op
Johns Hopkins: US was more prepared for pandemic than any other country
As coronavirus spreads, U.S. military to withhold some infection data
Pompeo: G7 agrees China spreads ‘disinformation’ about coronavirus
Pompeo, G-7 foreign ministers spar over ‘Wuhan virus’
Military Facing Operational Impacts of Coronavirus
Boeing suspends Washington production, GE Aviation lays off thousands
Navy docks USS Theodore Roosevelt to test crew for COVID-19
Navy postpones Large Scale Exercise 2020 in response to COVID-19
US emerges as virus hotspot as infections, unemployment soar
Trump to receive new coronavirus recommendations this weekend
Coronavirus: Mexicans demand crackdown on Americans crossing the border
Trump looking to put troops near Canadian border amid coronavirus fears
Canada slams US proposal to station troops on border
Venezuela’s Maduro charged with drug trafficking by U.S. court
Venezuela’s flagship communications satellite out of service and tumbling

 

EUROPE

EU leaders order up recovery plan for after coronavirus
EU leaders at loggerheads over unified coronavirus response
Eurozone given two weeks to find virus response
Russian Patrol Planes Are Probing NATO’s Radar Gaps
Coronavirus capital by capital: How are Europeans coping with shutdown?
Germany, Switzerland help France deal with COVID-19 patients
Kosovo PM becomes 1st world leader ousted over coronavirus response
Coronavirus has put a stop to Europe’s Schengen open border policy
Coronavirus delays Russian vote on Putin staying in power
Greece celebrates independence day amid rising tensions with Turkey
Germany: IS sympathizer jailed 10 years over poisoning plan
Norway extradites jihadist preacher Mullah Krekar to Italy
Russia Halts War Games on NATO Borders to Fight Coronavirus
US set to upgrade controversial nukes stationed in Germany
UK navy shadows Russian warships after ‘high levels of activity’

 

MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

Turkish forces ‘neutralize’ Kurdish fighters in Syria after 2 troops killed
US forces return Qayyara air base to Iraqi control, withdraw From Mosul area
Iraqi military says 2 rockets hit Baghdad’s Green Zone
US puts NEW sanctions on Iran, despite calls for relief amid virus outbreak
Former FBI agent Robert Levinson dies in Iranian jail, according to family
UN urges immediate truce in five-year conflict in Yemen
U.S. cuts humanitarian aid to Yemen
Israel election: Netanyahu rival Gantz ‘agrees emergency unity government’
Jamal Khashoggi: Turkey charges 20 Saudis over journalist’s murder
Number of coronavirus cases rising quickly across Africa
Egypt expels Guardian reporter for challenging coronavirus count
Cameroon rebels declare coronavirus ceasefire
Chad’s ‘invincible’ army reels from jihadist blow
Libya battles escalate as coronavirus arrives in country
EU launches new Libya arms embargo mission in Mediterranean
Boko Haram kills almost 100 soldiers in a seven-hour attack in Chad
Does Turkey have the will to take on jihadis in Idlib

 

 

ASIA

Tokyo Games delayed to 2021, easing athletes’ angst
China to temporarily bar entry of foreigners to stop spread of coronavirus
Xi Jinping urges ‘stronger int’l cooperation’ and quick action to fight coronavirus
China in coronavirus propaganda push as US ties worsen
US warship sails through Taiwan Strait amid tensions with China
Gunmen attack Sikh temple in Afghanistan, killing 25 worshippers
Chinese warplanes to get new coatings to make them harder to detect
U.N. mission in Afghanistan urges halt to attacks on civilians
US-Taliban deal raises hopes for Afghan prisoners
Afghanistan to release up to 10,000 prisoners to slow coronavirus spread
Christchurch mosque shooting suspect changes plea to guilty

 


 

 

 

 

 

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Travel Security

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The U.S. Dept. of State Travel Website is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation at your destination well prior to departure.

 

Active USGOV Travel Notices

Worldwide Caution

 


 

 

Active USGOV Travel Advisories

Alphabetical Country List

Dynamic Map

 


 

 

Other USGOV Travel Resources

Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Prog (STEP)

Travelers with Special Considerations

Travel to High-Risk Areas

Faith-Based Travel Information

Information for Women Travelers

Cruise Ship Passengers

Students Abroad

Your Health Abroad

Driving and Road Safety Abroad

 


 

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The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides a variety of resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector businesses and organizations operating abroad.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is the authoritative federal source for information on current health issues related to specific destinations worldwide. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.

 

Foreign Sources of Travel Guidance

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Global Affairs Canada

 


 

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Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs

 


 

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UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 


 

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