INTERNATIONAL: Laos has announced that its borders will remain closed to all incoming foreign nationals for a further 15 days. Deputy Head of the Prime Minister's Office, Thipphakone Chanthavongsa, told a media briefing that the Covid-19 situation in neighbouring countries remained “risky”. He also said that a large number of migrant workers were returning home every day. To contain the spread of Covid-19, all other arrivals were banned until at least 3 August. The initial border closure was announced on 4 July and was due to expire on Monday.

While the country’s borders are locked down, other restrictions within the country are being relaxed. Indoor and outdoor fitness centres, as well as stadiums in provinces without community cases are now authorized to reopen, but they must comply with all preventative measures. Massage parlors and spas can also reopen in these areas, but customers and workers must have been fully vaccinated. Vocational education, teacher training and the final year of study for all educational institutions in the capital Vientiane may resume, although with strict Covid-19 prevention measures in place.

As of Monday, the total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Laos is 3,540, with five deaths. Its vaccination rollout is underway but is extremely limited. As at the end of last week, 671,000 of its citizens have been fully vaccinated, amounting to just 9.4% of the population.