EIG COVID-19 Update | July 27, 2020

With our mission to uncomplicate the complicated, we’ve always thought of our work in immigration as people-first. Our goal is for these emails to make sense of the changes happening across the world. Please share these updates with your colleagues who may find this information helpful, too.

International Updates

Argentina | The government extended the period of mandatory quarantine until August 2. Although a gradual reopening will begin, this will not be the same for the regions most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA), and the provinces of Chaco, Jujuy, and Rio Negro.

In the first stage, neighborhood shops will be allowed to reopen as well as essential shops and professional services. Likewise, this measure extends the prohibition of entry into the national territory, until August 2, inclusive, of foreign non-resident citizens in the country.
Case Update: 4,801 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/27 7:00 PM CEST

Belgium | Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced new measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, including limiting the “social bubble” size and “strongly recommended” people work from home.
Case Update: 0 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/27 7:00 PM CEST

Guatemala | The government has moved to reopen the economy from Monday.
Case Update: 561 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/27 7:00 PM CEST

Kenya | President Uhuru Kenyatta extended the nationwide curfew for another 30 days. The curfew was scheduled to be lifted on August 7.
Case Update: 375 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/26 7:00 PM CEST

Lebanon | Health Minister Hamad Hasan announced two nationwide lockdowns, from July 30 – August 3, and then reopen on August 4 and 5, and lockdown again until August 10.
Case Update: 168 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/27 7:00 PM CEST

The United Kingdom | Over the weekend, the government imposed a two-week quarantine on travelers returning from Spain. The government continues to watch the increase in infection rates in Germany and Spain.
Case Update: 745 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/27 7:00 PM CEST

Viet Nam | Following a reemergence of the coronavirus, at least 80,000 tourists from Da Nang are being evacuated.
Case Update: 2 confirmed cases. Last updated: 2020/7/27 7:00 PM CEST

 

In last week’s Immigration Nerds podcast, we talked about the impact of ICE modifying the SEVP temporary exemptions to restrict foreign students from online courses amid COVID-19 and the agency’s reversal. However, we didn’t get a chance to discuss the important role international students play in the university system, and how they drive innovation. We’re proud to welcome Senior Vice President of Research at Emory University, Dr. Deborah Watkins Bruner for a faculty perspective. Please note, this episode was recorded before the settlement agreement. However, we capture great insight into international students’ ongoing contributions to discoveries in cancer research and COVID-19 vaccines.

We will continue to send updates daily or as more COVID-19-related news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or in past updates or want to hear more about a different topic, just reply to let us know. If you have specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.