The Lao government has decided to extend the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown for another 15 days, effective from July 5-19 with certain relaxations.

Deputy Head of the Prime Minister's Office, Thipphakone Chanthavongsa, said at a press conference in the Lao capital Vientiane on Sunday that the situation in neighboring countries remains risky, and the Delta strain has been confirmed in Laos. Therefore, the lockdown order will be extended until July 19.