Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has moved to prolong Prime Ministerial Order 06/PM, effectively extending the lockdown period for Laos until 3 May.



“The situation regarding Covid-19 has the potential for further spread with 19 cases of infection now confirmed in Laos,” said Prime Minister Thongloun in a statement to the press today.

“One patient has been discharged from hospital after a full recovery, however, the threat of the further spread of the disease is very real, and therefore we have decided to extend the lockdown period under Prime Ministerial Order No. 06/PM, and all relevant regulations, by 14 days, until 3 May.”

Laos went into full lockdown on 30 March, with measures prohibiting all residents to leave their homes except for essential grocery shopping, hospital visits, and any other tasks authorized by the government, such as work undertaken by essential workers.

Here is a clip of the Prime Minister’s address.

UPDATED (16 April 2020): Part of an official notice (dated 15 April) from the Prime Minister’s Office has agreed to relax certain restrictions on essential businesses and projects that would result in the reduction of the negative impact on the Lao economy. The notice calls for the relevant authorities to expedite the drafting and implementation of the measures and criteria necessary to be fulfilled in order for certain businesses to reopen.

It is not clear which businesses will be eligible for reopening under these new relaxed limitations during the lockdown extension period. Future legislation by industry and commerce authorities is expected soon.