04 Oct 2021 | 06:33 AM UTC
Laos: Authorities extend COVID-19 lockdown measures in Vientiane Capital through Oct. 15 /update 7
Laos extends lockdown measures in Vientiane Capital through Oct. 15 due to COVID-19. Entry and exit rules remain in place.
Event
Authorities extended lockdown measures in Vientiane Capital through Oct. 15 amid increasing COVID-19 activity. Gatherings are prohibited. Road traffic is suspended from 21:00-05:00 with exemptions for emergency and logistics transportation, among others. Authorities have set up checkpoints and are implementing exit and entry rules in certain parts of Vientiane Capital. Companies must allow employees to telecommute or adopt flexible work arrangements. At-risk individuals and pregnant women must work from home. Factories must suspend operations if COVID-19 outbreaks are detected among staff. Entertainment venues like bars and cinemas are closed. Schools are suspended. Logistics vehicles may enter and exit Vientiane Capital if drivers are fully vaccinated.
Officials continue to categorize districts into red, yellow, and green zones in decreasing order of strictness of measures. All factories and offices must close in red zones, while restaurants may only offer delivery and takeaway services. Authorities limit the entry and exit of people into red zones unless they have official clearance. Sports facilities and gyms are also suspended in red zones.
Eased measures are in effect in areas not designated as red zones. Retail stores and supermarkets may operate from 09:00-20:00. Personal care services, like hairdressers, may open 09:00-19:00; customers must be fully vaccinated. Food establishments may offer dine-in services from 06:00-20:00 with health protocols in place. Factories may operate. Conferences and meetings with less than 20 people may take place with permission from the authorities.
Officials likely continue to prohibit individuals from leaving Vientiane Capital to other provinces, with exemptions for essential tasks like transporting cargo or government work approved by the COVID-19 task force. Travelers from provinces with community spread of COVID-19 likely cannot enter Vientiane Capital; returning residents are exempt from the restrictions but may be required to quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility at their own expense. Security forces will likely enact checkpoints around the borders of Vientiane Capital to enforce entry and exit rules. Authorities may restrict entry into Vientiane Capital through the Vang Vieng Expressway and Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Heightened security measures are likely across Vientiane Capital to ensure compliance with the latest restrictions. Individuals and businesses that violate the measures may be fined up to LAK 10-million respectively. Business and transport disruptions are likely. Additional extensions are possible, depending on COVID-19 activity.
Advice
Heed the instructions of authorities. Avoid nonessential operations in areas impacted by the restrictions. Confirm transport reservations. Remain cooperative if questioned by law enforcement officers.
