It would also be prudent to be mindful that this period has spiritual significance for, or may be exploited by, a variety of groups, which may cause behavior that is difficult to predict. See the Department of State home page for the full text of the December 11 Worldwide Caution on this terrorist threat. U.S. citizens should take these issues into account when making their plans for the New Year period. The Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad have been following the Y2K problem closely for the past year. Governments or businesses with more limited resources or expertise, or that are not paying appropriate attention to the problem, may experience more significant difficulties, although it is difficult to predict to what degree or in what sectors.
Personal preparedness continues to be very important.
U.S. embassies and consulates do not have facilities to provide private U.S. citizens abroad with food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter or other equipment and supplies in the event of disruptions of essential services in foreign countries. U.S. embassies and consulates have taken steps to identify some potential local sources of help in the event of Y2K disruptions. The health care sector has been identified as an area of particular concern. U.S. citizens who have existing medical conditions should consider carefully the advisability of overseas travel during this period. It should be recognized that Y2K-related disruptions in other sectors, such as transportation, could affect the availability of air ambulance services and medical or pharmaceutical supplies.