Domestic travel restrictions in drive to stop viral spread

Laos has implemented a ban on the domestic travel of persons and groups between localities and provinces to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Deputy Head of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Muongpak, addressed a press conference to Lao media on the measures for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

He quoted the Prime Minister’s Order on reinforcement measures on containment, prevention, and full response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
He said under the order, individuals or groups were not permitted to travel to other localities, including between provinces or to infected districts or those areas at high risk of infection.

Exceptions included those who are authorised by a concerned authority to do so for necessary reasons such as for the transportation of goods or for seeking medical treatment.

The Vientiane and Provincial administrative authorities across the country have instructed their departments, Lao National Construction Fronts, Mass Organisations, District and Village authorities that are under their supervision to implement measures specified in this Order, he said.

All provincial authorities were required to establish a unit or assigned officers to undertake surveillance and monitor the returned workers from abroad or persons with close contact with the infected to enforce required periods of self-quarantine that protect public health and social welfare, he added.

He noted that under this order, local authorities ought to collaborate with concerned agencies to disseminate information on how to avoid contagions and inform the hotline contact number in case of a need for emergency assistance.

Borders between provinces have seen road checkpoints established by health and concerned authorities to strictly check body temperatures, inspect travel authorisation documents, and to collect other necessary information.

At the same time, locals have been permitted to pass the checkpoints, provided they strictly follow the steps and guidance issued by the concerned authority.

The Ministry of Health advises anyone with flu-like symptoms who has traveled to an outbreak area or had any contact with an at-risk location, individual or gathering to immediately notify health authorities via hotlines.

Hospitals will provide free treatment to anyone who contracts the virus.
People typically develop symptoms within 14 days after exposure to the virus. 
The risk of infection can be lowered by avoiding close contact with a person with fever, cough, sore throat or respiratory problems, covering one’s mouth when coughing, washing one’s hands with soap or hand gel, and avoiding contact with live or dead farm or wild animals, according to the ministry.

If you or someone you know has traveled to an outbreak area and/or have developed symptoms since entering Laos, please call +856 20 5406 6777 to speak to a duty officer in Lao or English at any time of the day or night.

For more information, call the free hotline number 166 at any time.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update April 6, 2020)