People in Thailand wear face masks to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 (Source: VNA)
The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos said the host government is working out all
possible measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to the embassy, a large nubmer of Lao workers in Thailand have flocked
home in recent days to avoid the pandemic, and the figure is expected to
increase in the time ahead. Despite this, the overseas Vietnamese community
should not be panic but stay at home, minimise social interactions, and follow
preventive measures of the Ministry of Health and regulations of the host
country.
The embassy recommended Vietnamese citizens in Laos reduce movement and
home-returning trips at this time because there is a high risk of infections on
public means of transport and the medical capacity at home in terms of testing,
quarantine, infrastructure, and equipment is limited.
Vietnamese expatriates should continue keeping a close watch on the situation
and sharing information in their living and working areas for Lao authorities
without spreading fake news to cause social panic.
They could contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos via hotlines 85620 96106775 or
85620 92546868; call 85620 91112345 to the Vietnamese consulate general in Luang
Prabang, 8562098362929 to the Vietnamese consulate general in Pakse, and 85620
98208666 to the Vietnamese consulate general in Savannakhet to update
information and receive guidance and emergency support.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand also advised Vietnamese citizens to stay calm
and conduct self-quarantine and measures against COVID-19 right after the host
government announced to declare a state of emergency on March 26.
In its notice on March 25, the embassy recommended Vietnamese citizens keep a
close watch on the situation, actively cooperate with local authorities and
strictly abide by local emergency preventive measures.
The embassy asked Vietnamese citizens to stop travelling to Thailand-Laos border
gates to seek ways to return home because this action violates Thailand’s law on
the state of emergency. On the other hand, the bilateral border gates would be
closed at any time.
As of March 24, the embassy received nearly 500 online registrations of citizens
asking support to return home. However, due to the overload in quarantine areas,
the embassy will temporarily close the registration link.
At present, the embassy is actively coordinating with Thailand’s relevant
agencies to facilitate the extension of visas for Vietnamese citizens who cannot
leave the country due to COVID-19.
By March 25, Thailand recorded 107 more cases tested positive for the novel
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, raising the tally to 934 natinwide, according to the
local health ministry.
Source: VNA