18 Dec 2020 | 10:35 AM UTC
Laos: Officials in Bokeo Province and Luang Prabang tightening restrictions as of Dec. 18 /update 15
Officials in Bokeo Province and Luang Prabang, Laos, tightening COVID-19 rules as of Dec. 18. Entry and other restrictions remain in place.
Event
Officials in parts of Laos are tightening restrictions as of Dec. 18 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The central government ordered Bokeo Province to suspend operations at food establishments, entertainment venues, festivals, marriage ceremonies, and other traditional events through Dec. 27. The province also bans boats from crossing through the Mekong River. Additionally, officials in Luang Prabang are banning new year and cultural celebrations through early January 2021. Stricter protocols, including entry and exit restrictions, also remain in place in Bokeo Province's Ton Pheung District and Boten Special Economic Zone in Luang Namtha Province through at least Dec. 19. Other curbs in the areas include the closure of schools, gyms, and karaoke bars. Other provinces and localities are likely also tightening restrictions.
Nationwide restrictions are still in effect in other localities. Most businesses may operate with strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars and nightclubs, can operate with health measures. Events, including marriage ceremonies and sporting competitions with spectators, may occur if organizers adhere to precautions, such as mandating facemask use and temperature recording for participants.
Travel Restrictions
Tourist visas, visas-on-arrival, and standing visa exemptions remain suspended. All entrants require prior permission from the nearest Laos diplomatic mission at least seven days before arrival. Approved foreign travelers, such as diplomats, officials, essential workers, technical experts, and tourists from locations with low COVID-19 activity, may enter Laos. Entrants must produce negative COVID-19 test results obtained within 72 hours before the trip. Additionally, arrivals will undergo paid testing upon entry and undergo a 14-day quarantine at their residence or a designated facility according to risk assessment. Land border restrictions remain, except for cargo transport. International flights are mostly limited to emergency and repatriation; chartered and some scheduled flights ferrying approved travelers are operational.
The government allows Chinese nationals from provinces without COVID-19 activity to enter Laos with testing and reduced quarantine requirements. Officials may extend similar relaxations to other countries in the coming weeks.
Officials continue to bar Laotian citizens and residents from nonessential international travel. Laos citizens departing the country must obtain approval from their employer and the authorities; foreign nationals leaving Laos have to notify their country's embassy in Laos to get permission from the local authorities on their behalf. Passengers departing Laos must also obtain a negative test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before the flight, complete a health declaration form, and carry USD 3,000 in cash.
Context
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e. covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
