Laos extends COVID-19 restriction for another two weeks

Motorcyclists wearing face masks ride on a street in Vientiane. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – The Government of Laos has extended COVID-19 restriction measures until November 14 but included provisions for the reopening of schools in the near future.

The Prime Minister’s Office on October 31 issued a notice stating that the measures are necessary as the coronavirus has spread across the country to almost every province, infecting more than 500 people per day in October, an increase of 27.6 percent compared to last month.

According to the notice, restrictions are necessary to ensure Lao citizens and foreign residents living in Laos are protected from COVID-19, while preventing as many deaths as possible.

However, at the same time, there is a need for balance between public health, administrative, and economic measures as the population must begin to live in accordance with the “new normal”.

Vaccination and testing, quarantine, and hospitalisation are to continue, while borders and checkpoints will remain closed.

Tourist and visitor visas will not be issued to foreigners, however diplomatic personnel, employees of international organisations, experts, and investors with an urgent requirement to enter the country will be granted entry but must comply with all COVID-19 prevention measures issued by the government.

Laos reported 685 new COVID-19 cases and three fatalities on October 31, raising the total caseload to 40,271 and death toll to 65./.

VNA