The Senate on March 11 unanimously approved the draft law on the control of Covid-19 and other contagious diseases.

Comprising six chapters and 18 articles, the law defines measures, regulations, jurisdiction and the scope of its implementation.

“The law demonstrates the government’s willingness to assume greater responsibility for the protection of people’s lives, security and public order as the country faces threats posed by Covid-19 and other contagious diseases,” the Senate said in a press release.

The law was proposed by the government on February 28 and passed by the National Assembly on March 5 following the February 20 outbreak of community transmission, which has seen cases rise to 652 and one confirmed death as of March 11.