Provinces strengthen efforts to curb Covid outbreak

Authorities in several provinces have ordered the continuation of lockdowns with travel banned between some districts due to a surge in Covid infections.
In Khammuan, the lockdown will continue until October 11. Anyone needing to enter the province for essential reasons must first get permission from provincial authorities and have had two doses of a Covid vaccine.

Travel in virus-risk districts of the province is banned, except for persons who have permission from provincial authorities. People may travel within districts located in green zones but must comply with all the Covid prevention rules.
Drivers of vehicles passing through Khammuan may not drop off passengers or pick people up, and will be prosecuted if they break the rules.
All Covid rule-breakers will be fined. This includes anyone who comes into contact with a known Covid case and does not self-isolate or inform the authorities of their movements. Such individuals will be fined one million kip if they test positive for the virus.
People who gather for a drinking session will be issued with a warning and fined 100,000 kip for a first offence and one million kip for a second breach of the rules. The owner of the venue will be fined 500,000 kip for a first offence and 2 million kip for a second offence.
The owners of shops that sell alcohol or stockpile goods with the intention of raising prices will be fined one million kip for a first offence and 3-5 million kip for a second breach of the rules.
In Luang Prabang, provincial authorities have ordered a lockdown in Nambak district until October 11. A lockdown is also in force in Ngoy district where travel to and from other districts is banned until the Covid outbreak can be contained.
All markets and restaurants in red zones have been closed temporarily. Those located in virus-free zones can remain open but must comply with all virus control measures, according to the Luang Prabang news.
In Borikhamxay, anyone entering the province must get permission from provincial authorities and must have had two doses of a Covid vaccine. People who have not had two vaccinations will not be allowed to enter, according to the Borikhamxay newspaper.
In Vientiane, where a lockdown is in force until September 30, at least 15 checkpoints are in place on the city’s streets to monitor people’s movements and check their Covid vaccination status.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 29, 2021)