The Lao Prime Minister’s Office said on June 4 that the country will extend its COVID-19 lockdown till June 19.

Illustrative photo (Source: The Star)

This is the third extension of COVID-19 lockdown since the second wave of the pandemic broke out in Laos last April. However, the Office’s notice outlines a gradual loosening of lockdown measures, with certain strict measures to remain in place.

Travel within localities that have not experienced an outbreak may continue as usual.

According to the notice, land and air transportation may resume between the capital city of Vientiane and other provinces across the country for passengers who have been fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine for at least one month without a requirement of 14-day quarantine.

International freight and cargo transportation will be required to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures.

COVID-19 prevention measures such as temperature checks, social distancing, wearing face masks, and using hand gel will remain in place.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has shortened the pandemic quarantine period from 14 days to 7 days for all fully vaccinated inbound travelers.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, these travelers entering the Philippines are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 RT-PCR or swab test upon arrival. A RT-PCR test shall only be done when the individual manifests COVID-19 symptoms within the seven-day quarantine.

After completing the seven-day facility-based quarantine, Roque said the quarantine bureau shall issue a quarantine certificate indicating the individual's vaccination status.

Roque reiterated that the Southeast Asian country's borders are still closed to foreign tourists. The Philippines only allows foreign nationals with valid and existing visas to enter the country.

The Philippines previously required all arriving travelers to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival and a swab test on the seventh day within the stay in a quarantine facility.

Source: VNA