Vientiane's Mayor Issues a Curfew and Tightens Covid Restrictions

From today, the Mayor of Vientiane Capital has issued an emergency order tightening Covid-19 restrictions and instituting a curfew in the country's capital.

Residents of Vientiane must strictly comply with the Prime Minister's order on measures for Covid-19 prevention and control, as well as new measures put in place under the order, according to a notification signed and sealed yesterday evening by Mayor of Vientiane Capital, Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone.

The order cites the situation in surrounding countries, the flood of returning migrant workers from Thailand, and residents' refusal to follow Covid-19 rules on parties and gatherings as factors for the virus's resurgence in the town.

New limitations and prohibitions will be in place until the situation is under control, according to the decree.

Residents of red zones in Vientiane Capital are barred from entering other provinces, whereas residents of red zones in other provinces are barred from entering Vientiane Capital, with the exception of those who have been allowed by the Covid Taskforce.

Parties and gatherings of any type are absolutely prohibited in all locations, and anyone who disobey this order will be detained in a state quarantine center or quarantine hotel, fined, and made to pay for any damages caused by their actions.

Covid-19 preventive measures, including as wearing facemasks and practicing social distancing, must be in place at all times during meetings or conferences with more than 20 participants.

Karaoke bars, entertainment venues, tourism sites, night markets, food gardens, pubs (including alcohol-serving grill and barbecue restaurants), theaters, snooker halls, massage parlors, spas, beauty parlors, and internet cafes would all be closed.

Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but they must maintain social distance and close by 21:00.

Fitness centers, gyms, badminton courts, football fields, petanque areas, martial arts stadiums, swimming pools, cockfighting rings, and other facilities that facilitate physical activities must close.

From 22:00 to 5:00 p.m., road travel in Vientiane Capital is forbidden, with the exception of freight transportation vehicles, emergency vehicles, and vehicles belonging to the Covid Taskforce or government personnel performing their duties.

Stockpiling or inflating the price of commodities is severely forbidden.

It is illegal to spread fake news or disinformation in order to provoke confusion or fear.

Except for freight transportation vehicles or those authorized by the Covid Taskforce, all customary and local borders are closed across Vientiane Capital, and transportation across the Friendship Bridge is restricted.

Schools and educational institutions at all levels, including entrance examinations, will close across Vientiane Capital.

According to the decree, the increased limits will stay in force until the community spread can be controlled.