Laos relaxes some restrictions after 33 days of no new COVID-19 cases

Vientiane (VNA) - Laos on May 15 announced the easing of some restrictions in the country after 33 consecutive days without any new infection of COVID-19.

From May 18, public agencies and businesses will be allowed to re-open but epidemic prevention measures must continue and working online is still encouraged whenever possible.

Transport activities will be resumed and inter-province movement is allowed. Foreigners in Laos can return to their home countries, and Lao workers employed overseas can return to their jobs abroad.

The Government also permits the gradual re-opening of schools, with fifth, ninth and 12th graders back to school on May 18 and other graders from June 2.

Both indoor and outdoor sport activities can now be held on the condition of observing epidemic prevention rules. Business activities will also be resumed under the monitoring of management agencies and local authorities.

Meanwhile, the restriction will continue for parties, night markets, Night markets, beer shops, nightclubs, online game shops, karaoke venues, cinemas, casinos, and team sports tournaments. Unofficial or informal gatherings or other large events are still banned, as are cultural festivals and weddings with more than 50 attendees.
           
Local, traditional, and international border checkpoints remain closed, and Laos will continue to issue no visa to foreigners except for diplomats, experts and labourers deem necessary for projects in the country.

The Lao Health Ministry also stressed that if any new infection is detected in a province, stricter measures will be enacted in that province. If a cluster of cases is found in two or more provinces, then the country may revert to stricter lockdown measures stipulated under Prime Ministerial Order No. 6/PM./.