Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:42:05 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating Security Rating for Puerto 2 - Low Rico:

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 3 2 Civil Unrest 3

Low Terrorism 2 Kidnapping 1 Geopolitical 2

Security Overview : Overview of Puerto Rico Crime is high compared to US mainland averages but remains low-to-moderate by Latin American standards. Unrest, particularly in the form of labor strikes and political demonstrations, occurs frequently in Puerto Rico and can prove disruptive, though not physically dangerous. There is a residual risk of transnational terrorism due to the island's relationship with the US and also a low risk of domestic terrorism because of internal disagreements over said relationship. There is no notable conflict threat to Puerto Rico, nor is one expected to develop.

No Current Security Alerts

Other Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts

Entry/Exit: Puerto Rico to end most COVID-19 measures effective July 5, except those for unvaccinated individuals, as case numbers remain low. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Territorywide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Lingering business and travel disruptions

Summary Authorities in Puerto Rico will end most COVID-19-related restrictions due to low viral spread and progress in the 's vaccination campaign. Effective July 5, businesses and other establishments will no longer need to abide by any capacity restrictions or curtailed hours of operation. Additionally, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear facemasks except in specific circumstances, such as in healthcare settings. Persons not fully vaccinated will, however, still be required to wear facemasks. Furthermore, all individuals attending events of 500 persons or more will be obligated to present either proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours before the event begins.

International Travel Restrictions Puerto Rico's borders have reopened to all travelers, save those prevented from entering the US due to ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions at the federal level. Arriving passengers must wear protective face coverings and are subject to enhanced health screenings and protocols. Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or else prove that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Those arriving without such documentation can either be tested at the airport or within 48 hours after arrival; they must remain in quarantine at their own expense while awaiting the results. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a quarantine period lasting a minimum of 10 days at their own expense.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base Puerto Rico Health Department - COVID-19 Updates

Alert begins: 07/02/2021

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several countries and as of June 24. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Caribbean (map) Date: May 2021-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 24. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 27-June 24. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Martin Trinidad and Tobago

High risk of transmission

Aruba Bahamas Bonaire British Virgin Islands Dominican Republic Guadeloupe Martinique Saint-Barthelemy Sint Maarten Saint Vincent and the Grenadines US Virgin Islands Saint Lucia

Moderate risk of transmission

Jamaica Puerto Rico

Low risk of transmission

Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Bermuda Cayman Islands Curacao Dominica Haiti Turks and Caicos Islands

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/24/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Puerto Rico Puerto Rico maintains generally friendly relations with all states in the Americas. Although its status as part of the US technically involves it in numerous conflicts abroad, such conflicts never reaches the US mainland, much less the island's shores. Internal conflict is also not an issue for Puerto Rico.

Civil Unrest: Civil Unrest generally poses a low threat in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico often sees unrest due to the particularly difficult political and economic circumstances facing the island; strikes and organized marches are the most common forms of protest. Labor strikes, depending upon their duration, do have the potential to disrupt essential services for visitors and islanders alike, but such events are generally non-violent. Political unrest frequently revolves around corruption, debt-related issues, austerity measures, , social welfare programs, and the US' relationship with the island, including the existence of the fiscal oversight board.

Most protest events on the island are small in nature and rarely gain national traction. However, in mid-2019, the arrests of former government officials as well as leaked chats between then-Governor Ricky Rossello and others that contained discriminatory language and potentially illegal information-sharing resulted in an unprecedented two-week-long protest movement culminating in Rossello's resignation. While protests were mostly peaceful, there were some violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Old San Juan. The movement was historic in terms of both its longevity, its appeal across demographics, and its success in ultimately securing Rossello's resignation, which in turn may encourage other such movements in the future when public outrage is at play.

Crime: Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known for experiencing crime rates higher than those of most US states, including . The bulk of criminal incidents are opportunistic in nature and non-violent, often occurring in crowded areas and venues as well as on beaches when items are left unattended. Armed muggings are less common, but do occur in isolated areas and/or at night, including on beaches as well as in socioeconomically poorer parts of municipalities such as San Juan, Bayamon, and Ponce. Smaller islands, including Vieques and particularly Culebra, have much lower crime rates than the main island.

Violent crime is principally directed at fellow , though violence - especially sexual and - against tourists not unheard of. As such, female travelers in particular should remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Gang- and drug-related violence also has a strong presence in parts of many of the island's cities, but is highly unlikely to affect visitors. In general, levels of violent crime still remain below Latin American averages, a fact which has been aided in recent years by improved policing and increased involvement from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The effects of the island's financial crisis on the economy could, however, reverse this trend.

Related Advice: Protecting yourself from carjacking and reacting when it happens. Related Advice: Strategies for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of LGBT hate crime.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat in Puerto Rico is low Puerto Rico's political system has traditionally been stable though does have the potential to change should the status question finally be addressed. Rule of law in Puerto Rico is considered strong. and sanctions are not an issue. Corruption in Puerto Rico is considered to be low-to-moderate by regional standards though higher than US averages.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Puerto Rico is minimal

Kidnapping

The threat of kidnapping in Puerto Rico is minimal; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in Puerto Rico is likely child abduction. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Puerto Rico

Fire 911 Police 911 Ambulance 911 Contact information for select embassies in Puerto Rico: If you are calling from outside Puerto Rico, dial +1 first. Australia - Embassy Brazil - Consulate Canada - Embassy

(Embassy in United States is (Consulate in Miami, Fla. is accredited (Embassy in United States is accredited to Puerto Rico) to Puerto Rico) accredited to Puerto Rico)

1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. 80 SW 8th Street 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-2273 26th Floor Washington, D.C. 20001 Phone: +1 202.797.3000 Miami, Fla. 33130-3004 Phone: +1 202.682.1768 Phone: +1 305.285.6200 China - Embassy France - Consulate Germany - Consulate

(Embassy in United States is (Consulate in Miami, Fla. is accredited (Consulate in Miami is accredited accredited to Puerto Rico) to Puerto Rico) to Puerto Rico)

3505 International Place, N.W. Espirito Santo Plaza 100 North Biscayne Boulevard Washington, D.C. 20008 Suite 1050 Miami, Fla. 33132 Phone: +1 202.495.2266 1395 Brickell Avenue Phone: +1 305.358.0290 Miami, Fla. 33131 Phone: +1 305.403.4150 Japan - Consulate - Consulate United Kingdom - Consulate

(Consulate in New York, N.Y. is Mercantil Building, 11th Floor, Office Torre Chardon accredited to Puerto Rico) 1101 Suite 1236 Ponce de Leon Avenue 350 Chardon Avenue 299 Park Avenue Santurce, San Juan San Juan, PR 00918 New York, N.Y. 10171 Phone: +787-758-6090 Phone: +1 787.850.2400 Phone: +1 212.371-8222 Fax: +787-763-0190 Email: [email protected] For a comprehensive listing of embassy contact information in this destination and a comprehensive listing of Puerto Rican embassies and consulates in other destinations, visit embassy.goabroad.com . Please advise WorldAware, using the feedback button, if this link does not work or if you require additional information that the link does not provide.

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Security Services: Security services generally poses a moderate threat in Puerto Rico

Security Services

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Puerto Rico are generally adequate (risk is moderate). Although Puerto Rico has a number of different security forces, the municipal police are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. Police officers are typically able to speak English and Spanish. Police are typically helpful in responding to emergencies. However, many , especially petty crimes, go uninvestigated and unsolved.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a low threat in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has no history of transnational terrorism but does bear a slight risk of experiencing such an incident because of its unique ties to the US. A domestic terrorist movement did exist on the island decades ago as waged by pro-independence radicals, but most of these individuals have been jailed or killed. Pro-independence activists today generally reject all violence and form an integral part of the island's political landscape. More militant groups do exist, but rarely if ever use violence.

Overview of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an island nation that is simultaneously a US commonwealth, is an oddity within the Caribbean. Along with the neighboring US Virgin Islands, it is the only US territory in the region and arguably the US' best known colonial-era possession, though terms used to describe the island's status vary and can stir controversy. The island was once underpinned by both significant tourism and manufacturing sectors, but the latter has sputtered as special federal tax benefits for manufacturers have since been phased out. As such, the island now finds itself in a financial crisis that has resulted in a US federal oversight board taking country of Puerto Rican finances.

The biggest threat for those visiting Puerto Rico is opportunistic crime, with chances of experiencing violent crime significantly greater than on the US mainland but still somewhat low relative to Latin American averages. The island's location squarely within the hurricane belt also makes tropical activity an annual concern. The direct landfall of - the worst in a century - on the island in mid-September 2017 caused massive infrastructural damage that took nearly a year to fully repair, with many areas still bearing scars from the storm. Weather, Currency Exchange

PUERTO RICO WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

San Juan: CURRENCY 1 Euro 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.8423 High: 86° F High: 85° F High: 85° F High: 86° F High: 85° F US Dollar 1.1872 1.0000 (30° C) (29° C) (29° C) (30° C) (29° C) Low: 79° F Low: 77° F Low: 76° F Low: 77° F Low: 77° F (26° C) (25° C) (24° C) (25° C) (25° C)

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