Vientiane, Dec 16 (IANS): The Laos government announced on Thursday a plan to reopen for visitors starting from January 1, 2022, according to a notice issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The notice, which was signed by the Head of the Prime Minister's Office, Khamchen Vongphosy, was released on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the notice, the government has approved the Lao Travel Green Zone Plan that would allow tourists to visit provinces and cities designated as "green zones" once the country reopens.

The notice states that an official announcement will be made on December 17 outlining the official reopening plan, and has set January 1 as the date when the country reopens for tourism.

The decision came after a number of lengthy meetings between tourism stakeholders and a government task force set up specifically to assist with reopening.

As of Thursday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Laos reached 94,554 with 262 deaths.

Laos reported its first two confirmed Covid-19 cases on March 23 last year.