Laos: Officials imposing strict COVID-19 curbs in parts of Bokeo and Luang Namtha provinces through Dec. 19. /update 14

Event

Laos is imposing strict curbs across Ton Pheung District in Bokeo Province and the Boten Special Economic Zone in Luang Namtha Province through at least Dec. 19 due to new imported cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under these measures, entry and exit to the affected areas are banned. Authorities are advising residents in the affected areas to limit nonessential movement and obtain permission for intra-regional travel. Officials have also suspended public transport routes connecting to locations outside the designated zones; travelers from affected provinces may be subject to quarantine at other domestic destinations. Symptomatic residents will undergo testing.

Other restrictions are still in effect through at least Dec. 31. 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.

Officials have warned that they could tighten restrictions in specific provinces if there are new COVID-19 cases in the locations. Reintroduction of stricter measures nationwide is also possible if there are new cases in multiple provinces.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)