Ministry orders temporary closure of entertainment venues

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on Tuesday ordered the closure of entertainment venues such as karaoke clubs, bars and nightclubs and banned weddings and other large events from April 14-30 in a bid to prevent a Covid-19 outbreak after three more people tested positive for the virus.
The move follows the rise in the number of cases in the region and around the world.
All large gatherings are banned but small wedding ceremonies limited to family members may go ahead.

The ministry has assigned the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism in cooperation with security teams and taskforces for Covid-19 prevention and control in Vientiane and the provinces to monitor the activities of entertainment venues and ensure curbs on weddings and other events.
Violators will be warned if they flout the order. If they break the rule a second time, they will have their business operation licence revoked. They may also be ordered to close their business and pay a fine.
This is the first time this year that the ministry has ordered the closure of entertainment venues and prohibited weddings and other large gatherings.
The order came after three more people tested positive for Covid-19 (the 50th, 51st and 52nd cases). Two of these cases were announced on Sunday and the third on Monday, bringing the total to 52.
The 51st and 52nd cases were imported, a situation which officials said was easier to contain, unlike the 50th case which involved a person who illegally crossed the border into Laos.
The 50th case was a Thai businessman who has been living in Vientiane for a year but had close contact with another person who illegally crossed the border into Laos from Thailand, where a new outbreak of Covid-19 is spreading. The businessman continued life as normal before he felt unwell and tested positive for Covid-19 a week later, triggering concerns over the possible spread of the virus.
Authorities are attempting to trace everyone who had close contact with the man.
Fears of a new outbreak are intensifying as everyone organises parties to celebrate Lao New Year.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update April 13, 2021)