Ministry Eases Covid Restrictions For Education, Sports
Source: Vientiane Times
Although the government has extended the lockdown until July 4, it has lifted some of the restrictions affecting education and sports.
The Ministry of Education and Sports is now allowing kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, colleges and universities in areas of provinces that have no new coronavirus infections to reopen.
However, all schools, colleges and universities in Vientiane will remain closed until further notice with classes in key subjects to continue through television and radio and well as social media, using the ministry’s Kangpanyalao database.
With regard to schools that are allowed to reopen, administrators must ensure that facilities are clean and safe from infection and are able to offer classes as normal.
Kindergartens will be allowed to reopen when administrators and teachers have had two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
The ministry announced the easing of restrictions on June 19 and has advised everyone involved in education to continue to comply with instructions provided by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.
The ministry has also approved outdoor sports activities and exercising in public parks and other places, but people must strictly comply with Covid-19 prevention rules, especially social distancing.
Indoor sports in Vientiane and provinces with virus outbreaks remain banned, including football, volleyball, basketball, rattanball and badminton, because these sports involve close contact between participants.
Education officials may hold meetings and training courses, but no more than 50 people should attend. Participants must use hand sanitiser, wear a face mask, have their temperature checked, and observe social distancing.
The ministry is also encouraging staff, teachers and students to get vaccinated, with many ministry staff having already been immunised.
The government has also lifted other restrictions to alleviate the hardship caused by the Covid-19 outbreak and gradually normalise the situation.
Tourist attractions and food outlets in provinces where there is no community outbreak of the virus may now reopen, although the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
Schools in these provinces can also reopen with approval from the provincial taskforce for Covid-19 prevention and control.
The government has also given the green light for beauty salons and barber shops outside infection zones to reopen.
Restaurants and coffee shops outside red zones may continue to allow customers to sit inside for meals, but managers must limit the number of customers to prevent crowding.
Supermarkets, minimarts and markets are also permitted to continue to operate, but must comply with Covid-19 prevention measures.