Laos: Authorities extends border control measures through September 30 /update 7

Event

Laos' national task force committee for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) extended border control measures through September 30. This includes the continued suspension of international flights, along with the issuance of tourist visas. Exemptions include diplomats, employees of international organizations, investors, individuals deemed by the government as experts, technicians and foreign workers who are crucial for major projects, whom may be granted entry into Laos upon receiving authorization. 

There is compulsory free testing for COVID-19 on arrival in Laos. Those testing positive will be admitted to hospital for treatment. Further measures in place include social distancing of at least 1 meter (3 ft), regular hand washing, the wearing of face masks, regular cleaning of premises, and temperature checks where possible. This latest stage of the easing of restrictions is in effect until June 1 and a decision on whether restrictions are further eased or re-imposed will be made in the intervening period dependent on the spread of the virus.

As of Tuesday, September 1, there have been 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Laos, although new cases have been confirmed for 35 days. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.