30 Dec 2020 | 06:26 AM UTC
Laos: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions through Jan. 31, 2021 /update 16
Laos extend COVID-19 measures through Jan. 31, 2021. Stricter measures in place in some areas. Entry ban for most foreigners in effect.
Event
Officials have extended nationwide restrictions through Jan. 31, 2021, to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Most businesses may operate with strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Authorities have shut entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars and nightclubs, and suspended public New Year celebrations. Marriage ceremonies may occur if organizers adhere to precautions, such as mandating the use of facemask and temperature recording for participants.
International flights are mostly limited to emergencies and repatriation. Authorities have banned chartered flights from locations with a COVID-19 outbreak. The national carrier Lao Airlines (QV) has suspended chartered flights through Jan. 23, 2021.
Additionally, stricter measures are in place in parts of Laos. Officials in Luang Prabang are banning cultural celebrations through early January 2021. However, authorities have lifted entry and exit restrictions at Bokeo Province's Ton Pheung District due to lower COVID-19 activity in the region. Officials may reintroduce or tighten controls if local COVID-19 activity increases.
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 a 14-day quarantine at their residence or a designated facility according to risk assessment. Land border restrictions remain, except for cargo transport.
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.
