Lao Minister of Health Bounkong Syhavong (Photo: https://nhandan.com.vn/)Vientiane (VNA) - The Lao Governmenthas urged authorities and people to remain vigilant and continue to implementpreventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.
International checkpointsremain closed for ordinary travel, except essential crossings for Lao andforeign nationals who are permitted by the task force committee, Lao Ministerof Health Bounkong Syhavong told a press conference in Vientiane on December 23.
Traditional and local bordercheckpoints are also closed, except those permitted by the Lao Government forgoods transport, he said.
International charter flightsfrom countries that are experiencing an outbreak must be suspended.
The Lao Government willcontinue to suspend the issuing of tourist visas for anyone traveling from ortransiting via countries where a COVID-19 outbreak is taking place, saidBounkong.
Foreign diplomats, the staffof international organisations, experts, investors, business people, technicalstaff, and workers deemed essential for projects in Laos could enter thecountry upon approval by the task force committee, the minister said.
The Lao government urgedauthorities countrywide to continue monitoring people entering Laos. Peopleentering Laos will be sent to quarantine centers for 14 days and thetemperature of each person entering Laos must be checked.
Bounkong said that the Laoauthorities prohibit organising any event, party or celebration in order toavoid gatherings.
The Lao government urged therelevant sector to continue spreading the message regarding the danger ofCOVID-19, and methods and measures for protecting themselves.
The total number of confirmedcases in Laos remained at 41, of them 37 patients have recovered./.
