Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Government has asked ministries and sectors to build their detail plans to reopen the country after a long period of closure due to COVID-19.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has been assigned to work with relevant ministries and agencies to design mechanisms for the reopening of the country for foreign tourists.

Earlier, at the opening of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh told members that Laos needs to consider the steps to take to reopen the country, revitalise the economy, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.

He said that Laos will open localities that have been ready first before opening the whole country, especially tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang.

In order to adapt to the new situation, the Lao Government has issued an order on speeding up COVID-19 vaccination, heading to vaccinate children from 12-18 years old in this month to prepare to reopen schools.

So far, 50 percent of adults of Laos have been vaccinated against COVID-19, bringing the country closer to the target of 70 percent of COVID-19 vaccine coverage this year.

So far, the country has reported 50,977 COVID-19 infections, including 93 deaths./. 
VNA