Travel restrictions nationwide to prevent the spread of Covid-19 

Districts and villages nationwide are imposing travel restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among communities following detection of 12 infections in the country.

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith issued an executive order last week to intensify measures to prevent and control the spread of the Coronavirus.

According to this order, people from all walks of life, including expatriates in Laos, are not allowed to go out of their homes or other accommodation for non-essential purposes during April 1-19. 

Authorities in the provinces, districts and villages are seriously implementing the travel restrictions in counter the pandemic. 

The head of the traffic group in Sikhottabong district of Vientiane, Lieutenant Colonel Bounkhong Phetthalangsy, told Lao National Radio that in line with the PM’s Order no 06 for preventing and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus, authorities have been advising local residents and foreigners to stay at home.

The district has set up temporary checkpoints since April 3 to implement the precautionary measures and to inform the public about the dangers posed by the virus and ways to protect themselves. 

Lieutenant Colonel Bounkhong said the people are now more aware and understand the regulations and the PM’s Order as most roads are almost empty.

District authorities have cooperated with medical staff to create awareness of the methods to prevent the spread of the disease, the symptom and when people should go to doctors for a check-up.
The public also can get the latest information on Covid-19 and ask questions via the website http://www.covid19.gov.la, or they can call the hotline number 166 if they have symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. 

Village committee representatives and police have informed people living in apartments about measures taken by the government which issued by the PM on March 29, and asked the people to cooperate with the administration and stay safe. 

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 6, 2020)