(MOFA) - In recent days, countries and territories across the world have taken drastic measures to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the region, many ASEAN countries have carried out measures to control and restrict entry and exit at different levels. Starting from 23:59 20 March 2020, the Kingdom of Cambodia temporily suspended entry for Vietnamese citizens.  The Lao People’s Democractic Republic decided to temporarily suspend entry for travelers at all international border gates nationwide from 30 March to 19 April. Earlier, the Lao Government has also closed all main and side border gates along the Viet Nam – Lao borderline from 19 March to 20 April 2020.

Given the complex developments of COVID-19 across the region and the world, to maximize the efficacy of domestic anti-pandemic measures, the Vietnamese government has decided to temporarily suspend all cross-border movement for people at the main and side border gates, and trails along the borderlines of Viet Nam – Cambodia and Viet Nam – Laos, respectively. The suspension will come into effect from 00:00 1 April 2020.

The Royal Embassy of Cambodia and the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have been informed of this decision. Viet Nam looks forward to the support of the Lao and Cambodian governments, and shall continue to work in close coordination with all countries and territories in the region and the world to curb the spread of this dangerous disease./.