What's the government response timeline for Laos?

No working closure in place, but the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on March 11 issued an announcement asking employers to avoid hiring foreign workers — as part of the guidance issued by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19. Employers should work with relevant local authorities before granting permission to hire foreign labourers; and are also required to monitor closely any symptoms on their staff on a daily basis. /web/20200403071408/ http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/13/c_138873662.htm /web/20200403065334/ https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/03/13/laos-govt-advises-employers-to-avoid-hiring-foreign-workers

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism issued an advisory urging public to suspend or postpone all “unnecessary” social events (incl. weddings and Laos New Year), and for people to take strict precautions and avoid large gatherings. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/laos-coronavirus-public-events-03112020170451.html

On March 17, Laos PM Thongloun Sisoulith has ordered the temporary closure of preschools and kindergartens across the country until “the outbreak is under control.” Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/03/17/preschools-kindergartens-closed-in-laos-to-avoid-virus-risks

Only those have had symptoms recently or those who have come into close contact with COVID-positive individuals can get tested. https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/17/testing-for-covid-19-in-laos/

All state and private educational facilities from preschools through to universities will be closed until further notice -- an expansion from the previous announcement by the Ministry of Education and Sports that ordered the closure of just preschools, kindergarten and primary schools. Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/19/c_138894111.htm

It was a targeted ban. Lao international airlines stopped its operations from COVID19 affected countries. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/326726/laos-lao-airways-suspends-most-international-flights-amid-covid-19-pandemic-effective-march-26-update-3

On March 29 a Nationwide Lockdown was enforced https://archive.fo/wip/7Naoe

Laos To Enter Lockdown Starting March 30. Public servants (state workers) are to work from home April 1-11, and will be on holiday leave to observe the Lao New Year holiday until April 19, except some specified essential staff. It is prohibited for all people to leave their homes or domiciles except for the following reasons: to buy essential goods, to visit hospitals, to perform other tasks (on behalf of the businesses permitted to remain open), or to engage in various government authorized tasks. Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/29/laos-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-march-30/

Nationwide lockdown https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/29/laos-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-march-30/

Nationwide lockdown https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/29/laos-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-march-30/

In accordance with the Prime Minister's Executive Order, all passenger transport services are temporary suspended with effect from 30 March. Sources: https://www.norway.no/en/vietnam/norway-vietnam/news-and-events/order-of-laos-prime-minister/ ; https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/29/laos-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-march-30/ ; https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/03/30/laos-closes-international-checkpoints-suspends-passenger-transport-to-prevent-outbreak

Nationwide lockdown "It is prohibited for all people (nationals, expatriates, stateless individuals) to leave their homes or domiciles except for the following reasons: to buy essential goods, to visit hospitals, to perform other tasks (on behalf of the businesses permitted to remain open), or to engage in various government authorized tasks. " https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/29/laos-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-march-30/

Nationwide lockdown "It is prohibited for people to travel to other provinces or areas where there are known infected cases or at-risk areas except for the following necessary purposes: to transport commercial goods and to visit hospitals. " https://laotiantimes.com/2020/03/29/laos-to-enter-full-lockdown-starting-march-30/

The Prime Minister issued Executive Order No. 06/PM on the Reinforcement of Measures for the Containment, Prevention, and Full Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The order is effective from March 30 until April 19, 2020. This includes closing all international checkpoints to stop passengers from exiting and entering Laos. Borders will remain closed to individuals, only transportation of goods are allowed. /web/20200428050123/ https://www.covid19.gov.la/index.php?r=site%2Fdetail&id=358 /web/20200428045328/ https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coronavirus-laos-suspends-passenger-transport-as-part-of-lockdown

The Prime Minister Exective order mentions about public awareness through departments and official media. The Exective order implementation is from 30th March. https://www.norway.no/en/vietnam/norway-vietnam/news-and-events/order-of-laos-prime-minister//

On March 29, PM issued an Executive Order to reinforce measures against COVID-19, including to allow staffs and government officers to work from home . -- bUT some essential departments of government were allowed to work in office.effective from 31st March /web/20200403072416/ https://www.norway.no/en/vietnam/norway-vietnam/news-and-events/order-of-laos-prime-minister/

The Prime Minister has issued a new Decision on Policy and Measure Determination to Minimize the Negative Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Lao Economy No. 31, dated 2 April 2020. Some important details of policy-related are extracted as below Link: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/lao-pdr-tax-developments-in-response-to-covid Implement the exemption of Personal Income Tax (PIT) for all staffs and government officers (civil servants) which have income below 5,000,000 Kip within a 3-month period (April to June 2020); Implement the exemption of Profit Tax (PT) for Micro Enterprises as stipulated in article 29, clause 2 of the Law on Income Tax No. 67/NA, dated 18 June 2019 within a 3-month period (April to June 2020); Exempt tariffs and relevant fees of the imported goods that will be used in the operations of containment, prevention and full response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; Postpone tax payments of the tourism sector within a 3-month period, from April 2020 onwards; Extend the submission date of financial and accounting report for the year 2019 of enterprises from 31 March 2020 to 30 April 2020; Prolong the payment of road tax fees from 31 March 2020 to 30 April 2020; Seek to reduce prices and lengthen the due date of payments of electricity bill and water supply for the household and business conduct; Agree with the Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) to decrease the base interest rate (base rate) of BOL and also reduce the rate of capital requirement/preservation of commercial bank in a proper manner periodically; Agree with the Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) to encourage commercial bank to implement the credit policy to address the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the Decision No. 238/BOL, dated 26 March 2020; Allow to postpone the submission or payments of mandatory contribution of Social Security (SSO) for businesses which are affected from COVID-19 outbreak within the 3-month period (April, May and June 2020).

Appears to be comprehensive: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/04/12/laos-confirms-19th-case-of-covid-19-infection/ https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/support-for-lao-pdr-s-response-to-covid-19

On April 15th , lockdown has been extended to May 3rd 2020. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coronavirus-laos-suspends-passenger-transport-as-part-of-lockdown https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coronavirus-laos-suspends-passenger-transport-as-part-of-lockdown https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L

PM extends the restriction imposed through Order No. 6 on lockdown (previously 1-19 April) until May 3. People are not allowed to go out for non-essential jobs/purposes. Health authorities announced no new cases in 11 consecutive days; and if this record could be maintained for another three consecutive days, making 14 days in total, some restrictions could be eased. /web/20200428034627/ https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/04/24/lao-pm-extends-restrictions-for-virus-control-to-may-3-despite-no-new-infections-for-11-days

PM extends the restriction imposed through Order No. 6 on lockdown (previously 1-19 April) until May 3. People are not allowed to go out for non-essential jobs/purposes. Health authorities announced no new cases in 11 consecutive days; and if this record could be maintained for another three consecutive days, making 14 days in total, some restrictions could be eased. /web/20200428034627/ https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/04/24/lao-pm-extends-restrictions-for-virus-control-to-may-3-despite-no-new-infections-for-11-days

PM extends the restriction imposed through Order No. 6 on lockdown (previously 1-19 April) until May 3. This includes closing all international checkpoints for individuals. /web/20200428050123/ https://www.covid19.gov.la/index.php?r=site%2Fdetail&id=358 /web/20200428034627/ https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/04/24/lao-pm-extends-restrictions-for-virus-control-to-may-3-despite-no-new-infections-for-11-days

The Lao government on Wednesday, April 15, extended an ongoing lockdown for 14 days until Sunday, May 3, to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Under the lockdown, residents are to stay home except to purchase essential goods, seek medical assistance, or carry out work that has been specifically authorized by the government. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/332921/laos-nationwide-lockdown-extended-to-may-3-update-5

Gatherings of more than ten people have been prohibited, though special exemptions may be made for events such as funerals if safety precautions including mask-wearing and maintaining an interpersonal distance of at least two meters (6.6 ft) can be guaranteed. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/332921/laos-nationwide-lockdown-extended-to-may-3-update-5

The government has agreed with an allowance of 500,000 kip per worker who are members of their business's Social Security Scheme. Of the 170,000 members, close to 80,000 will benefit from this scheme. The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) will pay compensation to people who have become unemployed including those working for garment factories, paying them for a two month period in May and June. The minimum wage in Laos is 1,100,000 kip per month and hence, this allowance would be lower than 50% lost income for workers. http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_Govt75.php https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Lockdown restrictions are eased, with many businesses allowed to reopen. However, "Entertainment venues, beer gardens, bars, cinemas, karaoke venues, spa and massage parlors, casinos, night markets, indoor fitness gyms, outdoor team sports venues are [still] prohibited from re-opening. " https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/05/05/laos-reopening-businesses-after-no-virus-cases-for-23-consecutive-days

Lockdown restrictions are eased with an emphasis on restoring tourism. No explicit sources could be found, but it would make sense that some public transport is again operational whilst others remain closed. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/05/05/laos-reopening-businesses-after-no-virus-cases-for-23-consecutive-days

Everyone is now allowed out, but face-masks must be worn and everyone must "maintain a physical distance of at least one meter from each other". https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/05/05/laos-reopening-businesses-after-no-virus-cases-for-23-consecutive-days

lockdown restrictions eased, people stepping outside must wear face masks and maintain a social distance of one meter, while travel across provincial borders remains forbidden. https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Virus-free-Laos-lifts-shutters-on-shops-and-restaurants http://archive.vn/wip/M8YJ8

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/05/01/laos-to-loosen-lockdown-measures-in-bid-to-restart-economy/

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/05/01/laos-to-loosen-lockdown-measures-in-bid-to-restart-economy/

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/05/01/laos-to-loosen-lockdown-measures-in-bid-to-restart-economy/

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/05/01/laos-to-loosen-lockdown-measures-in-bid-to-restart-economy/

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/05/01/laos-to-loosen-lockdown-measures-in-bid-to-restart-economy/

Travel between provinces not allowed except with official letter

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/19/c_139069240.htm Classes with examinations opening on May 18th 2020.All others planned for reopening on June 2nd 2020

"Prohibition of unofficial gatherings, parties, celebrations, traditional events, and weddings whose participants exceed 50 people and cannot remain one metre apart;" http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_Travel_93.php

Under the latest announcement, all forms of interprovincial public transport by land, water and air may resume operation, as well as trading and services businesses. LinK https://sigma.com.mt/latest-news/casinos-remain-closed-as-laos-eases-lockdown-measures/

"The government has lifted travel restrictions to enable people to travel freely around the country as Laos eases more Covid-19 prevention measures to minimise the impact on livelihoods and the economy." http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten_Travel_93.php

Foreign expatriates working or studying in Laos are now permitted to return home if they wish. Lao students and workers wanting to return to foreign countries for study or work can also do so in accordance with the regulations imposed by their country of destination. However international travel not possible for general public

According to UNICEF, " The schools all over countries were closed as part of government’s response to the spread of COVID-19. With no new cases reported in over a month, the Ministry of Education and Sports issued Safe School Guidance and decided to reopen the schools in two phases. 18 May for a few classes and all children to be back on 2 June. Link: https://www.unicef.org/laos/stories/safely-back-school. According to IMF "l schools as well as some sections of universities and colleges have resumed while others are slated to open on June 15. LinK https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L Link https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202006/02/WS5ed5fb87a310a8b24115a40b.html

Under the eased restrictions, government offices will be allowed to resume operations as normal, but stay at home-work is encouraged.However, the government says it will continue to enforce measures under Prime Minister’s Order No.6 until June 1, which includes entertainment venues, cinemas, karaoke bars, night markets, casinos, gaming shops, and sports competitions involving a large number of people who cannot remain one meter apart. Link: https://agbrief.com/headline/laos-eases-lockdown-casinos-remain-closed-until-june-1/

Official training courses, meetings, and seminars are allowed to take place, but celebratory parties remain prohibited.However, the government says it will continue to enforce measures under Prime Minister’s Order No.6 until June 1, which includes entertainment venues, cinemas, karaoke bars, night markets, casinos, gaming shops, and sports competitions involving a large number of people who cannot remain one meter apart. Link: https://agbrief.com/headline/laos-eases-lockdown-casinos-remain-closed-until-june-1/. According to IMF All indoor and outdoor sporting activities are now permitted, but without audiences.Nonofficial and large gatherings remain prohibited. Link : https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L

Official training courses, meetings, and seminars are allowed to take place, but celebratory parties remain prohibited.However, the government says it will continue to enforce measures under Prime Minister’s Order No.6 until June 1, which includes entertainment venues, cinemas, karaoke bars, night markets, casinos, gaming shops, and sports competitions involving a large number of people who cannot remain one meter apart. Link: https://agbrief.com/headline/laos-eases-lockdown-casinos-remain-closed-until-june-1/. According to IMF All indoor and outdoor sporting activities are now permitted, but without audiences.Nonofficial and large gatherings remain prohibited. Link : https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L

According to China Daily 2nd June ,2020 ,"The Lao government also allows normal transport of goods across international borders from Tuesday". Link https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202006/02/WS5ed5fb87a310a8b24115a40b.html

The Lao government has announced all students nationwide can go back to schools on June 2. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/19/c_139069240.htm

Under the eased restrictions, government offices will be allowed to resume operations as normal, but stay at home-work is encouraged. However, the government says it will continue to enforce measures under Prime Minister’s Order No.6 until June 1, which includes entertainment venues, cinemas, karaoke bars, night markets, casinos, gaming shops, and sports competitions involving a large number of people who cannot remain one meter apart Link: https://agbrief.com/headline/laos-eases-lockdown-casinos-remain-closed-

Date accurate as of: 17 June 2020 Business Income Tax Business Income Tax for Microenterprises is exempted within a 3 months period, from April to June 2020, as per Decision No.31/PM. Personal Income Tax Exemption on Personal Income Tax (PIT) for all staffs and government officers (civil servants) which have income below 5,000,000 Kip within a 3 months period (April to June 2020), as per Decision No.31/PM. Extension Deadline of Filing/Payment Taxes Postpone tax payments of the tourism sector within a 3 months period, from April 2020 onwards, as per Decision No.31/PM. Declare and submit taxes of each month according to the time frame determined by law or shall be accomplished no later than the periods given below, as per Notice No.1061/MoF: PIT of April and May 2020 shall be submitted no later than the end of June 2020; PIT of June 2020 shall be submitted no later than the end of July 2020; PIT of July 2020 shall be submitted on the usual deadline in accordance with the law and regulations. Extend the payment due date of road tax fees from 31 March 2020 to 30 April 2020, as per Decision No.31/PM LinK: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/lao-pdr-tax-developments-in-response-to-covid-19.html

People entering Laos will be sent to quarantine centres for 14 days and the temperature of each person entering Laos must be checked, Lao Ministry of Health reported in its press release on Sunday. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/06/28/laos-govt-closely-monitoring-self-quarantine-of-people-entering-country

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/coronavirus FCO travel advice Social gatherings, weddings and traditional events are now permitted as long as COVID-19 prevention measures and social distancing of 1m are in place.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/coronavirus FCO travel advice Social gatherings, weddings and traditional events are now permitted as long as COVID-19 prevention measures and social distancing of 1m are in place.

https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#L IMF “The government has agreed to an allowance of 500,000 kip per worker who currently participates in the Social Security Scheme. Of the 170,000 members, close to 80,000 will benefit from this scheme through June.” This allowance has ended in June.

Most of the tax and contract relief initiatives ended on 30th June.So policy changed from broad to narrow in month of July.

According to the Lao Ministry of Health report, since January, a total of 31,103 people in Laos have received COVID-19 tests. Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-08/10/c_139278329.htm

Covid-19 prevention measures in place since July will continue until 31 August, including the closure of entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, nightclubs, and internet cafes. Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/07/31/laos-updates-covid-19-prevention-measures-grounds-charter-flights/

Not sure if this goes under 'public events' or 'restrictions on gatherings'? "Closure of entertainment venues, karaoke, and gaming shops." Following the rising of cases around the world, Laos has decided to re-enforce some of the previous measures for the month of August.

Covid-19 prevention measures in place since July will continue until 31 August: - Under the notice, a ban on sporting competitions has been lifted, however, organizers are to ensure stadiums do not become overcrowded; - Strict Covid-19 prevention guidelines issued by the national taskforce must remain in place at all sporting events, such as social distancing measures and provision of face masks and hand gel; - Casinos will be allowed to resume operations, according to the notice, but must also comply with covid prevention measures; - Social gatherings, weddings, parties, and traditional festivals may now be held, however, organizers must follow strict guidelines laid out by the national taskforce. - Meanwhile, entertainment venues including karaoke bars, nightclubs, and internet cafes will remain closed. Sources: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/07/31/laos-updates-covid-19-prevention-measures-grounds-charter-flights/ https://laotiantimes.com/2020/07/01/laos-further-relaxes-covid-19-prevention-measures/

“The government as decided to suspend the shuttle flights along with maintaining the prevention measures enforced since the end of June after learning of the challenge of a possible outbreak in the days ahead. In addition to these measures, the government also decided to: - Close traditional and local border checkpoints, except those permitted by the government for goods transport. International checkpoints remain closed for regular travellers, except essential crossings for Lao and foreign nationals who are permitted by the task force committee. Transportation of goods via the international checkpoints is allowed as normal, - Suspend the issuing of tourist or visiting visas for those travelling from or transiting via countries where a COVID-19 outbreak is taking place. Foreign diplomats, the staff of international organisations, experts, investors, businesspeople, technical personnel, and workers deemed essential to take up missions in Laos can enter the country upon approval by the task force committee. The measures will be imposed from August 1-31. In case new cases are reported, these measures will be will be revised and imposed accordingly in the province(s) where the cases take place.” Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/VTTimes_PDF/147cd2020.pdf Furthermore, all citizens arriving in Laos must bring negative COVID test results taken within 72 hours of departure for Laos and will be tested for COVID-19 again at the airport. All entrants will be subject to COVID-19 testing and a 14-day self-quarantine requirement at their own expense. Source: https://la.usembassy.gov/health-and-travel-alert-u-s-embassy-vientiane-laos-13/

Covid-19 prevention measures in place since July will continue until 31 August: - Under the notice, a ban on sporting competitions has been lifted, however, organizers are to ensure stadiums do not become overcrowded; - Strict Covid-19 prevention guidelines issued by the national taskforce must remain in place at all sporting events, such as social distancing measures and provision of face masks and hand gel; - Casinos will be allowed to resume operations, according to the notice, but must also comply with covid prevention measures; - Social gatherings, weddings, parties, and traditional festivals may now be held, however, organizers must follow strict guidelines laid out by the national taskforce. - Meanwhile, entertainment venues including karaoke bars, nightclubs, and internet cafes will remain closed. Sources: https://laotiantimes.com/2020/07/31/laos-updates-covid-19-prevention-measures-grounds-charter-flights/ https://laotiantimes.com/2020/07/01/laos-further-relaxes-covid-19-prevention-measures/

"All schools have resumed but must ensure hygiene and distancing practices." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Most businesses including restaurants, shops, food markets, gyms/spas, sports facilities, night markets, cinemas, casinos and tourist attractions are able to reopen, provided that COVID preventative measures are in place. These include providing alcohol gel, face masks being worn, maintaining 1m physical distancing, and checking temperatures. Some venues where the 1m social distancing rule cannot be applied, such as karaoke and night clubs, remain closed." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/coronavirus

"Social gatherings, weddings and traditional events are now permitted as long as COVID-19 prevention measures and social distancing of 1m are in place." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/coronavirus

"Social gatherings, weddings and traditional events are now permitted as long as COVID-19 prevention measures and social distancing of 1m are in place." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/coronavirus

No policy change identified.

No stay-at-home policy found.

"In-country travel and public transport are fully operational." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"The Government of the Lao PDR has suspended the visa on arrival service at all international entry points. No visas are being issued to people travelling from a country with cases of COVID-19, including the UK. However, the Lao authorities may consider granting entry permission for foreigners (experts, technicians and foreign nationals that are required for essential projects) who wish to come to Laos." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos/entry-requirements

No new policy has been introduced. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19