The Lao government will continue to suspend the issuing of tourist visas for anyone travelling from or transiting via countries where a COVID-19 outbreak is taking place, according to the latest notice from Lao Prime Minister's Office.
The Lao government updates the measures every month in accordance with the pandemic outbreak situation around the world and the circumstances in Laos.
According to a notice published by Lao Prime Minister's Office on Monday, which will be effective from Tuesday to September 30, authorities and people countrywide must strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures determined by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.
Foreign diplomats, the staff of international organizations, experts, investors, businesspeople, technical staff, and workers deemed essential for projects in Laos could enter the country upon approval by the task force committee.
Charter flights remain suspended with the task force and civil aviation authorities instructed to draw up new prevention and control measures before requesting the government to approve a resumption of the flights.
International checkpoints remain closed for ordinary travel, except essential crossings for Lao and foreign nationals who are permitted by the task force committee. The transport of goods via international checkpoints is allowed as usual.
Traditional and local border checkpoints are also closed, except those permitted by the government for goods transport.
Entertainment venues and gaming shops remain closed. All restaurants around the country are required to close by 11:00 p.m.
As of Monday, Laos has tested 39,063 suspected cases with 22 cases positive, and 21 patients have recovered.
Laos announced its first two COVID-19 confirmed cases on March 24.