Bokeo eases Covid travel restrictions

Bokeo provincial authorities have eased travel restrictions put in place earlier this month in order to reduce the damaging effects on the economy and tourism.
People may now freely enter and exit districts while in Tonpheung district provincial bodies are working with district officials to station officials at checkpoints to monitor the situation.
Tonpheung authorities have called on all officials and local residents to comply with measures regarding travel.
People may also travel by public transport between Luang Namtha and Phongsaly provinces but must contact health authorities and passengers must undergo quarantine.
Deputy Governor of Bokeo province and a member of the province’s Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Dr Khamphaya Phompanya, reported on the matter at the 10th session of the Bokeo People’s Council
The National Covid-19 Taskforce had asked subsidiary taskforces in Luang Namtha province to trace anyone believed to have come in direct contact with two Chinese nationals who tested positive for the virus. As a safety precaution, Bokeo province ordered the lockdown of Tonpheung district to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
To date, only 41 cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in Laos and no deaths from the virus have been reported. The Standing Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, under the Ministry of Health, Dr Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh, told a press conference on Wednesday that one person who contracted the virus is still under observation in hospital.
From January to December 30 a total of 91,449 people were tested for Covid-19.
Laos has imposed uniform standards of self-monitoring and quarantine for the staff of international organisations, business executives, and general workers. A 14-day period of self-monitoring is required for everyone entering Laos even if they have no Covid-19 symptoms.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update December 31, 2020)