Laos confirms four new Covid-19 cases, tightens up measures against pandemic

VIENTIANE, April 17: Four new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Laos on Saturday (April 17) with all cases concerning Lao migrant workers returning home from Thailand as the governemnt tighthen up measures up against the pandemic, reports Laotian Times.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in Vientiane Capital today lead by Dr. Lattanaxay Phetsouvanh, Director-General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, under the Ministry of Health as the country has seen more cases reported on daily basis.

Case 55 is a 25-year-old female who arrived in Khammuan province where she received a positive result when tested for Covid-19 at a state quarantine center.

Case 56 and 57 are a 32-year-old male and a 24-year-old male who arrived Savannakhet province where they tested positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, case 58 is 25-year-old female who illegally entered Bolikhamxay Province where she was collected by medical personnel and received a positive result when tested for Covid-19.

Laos has now confirmed a total of 58 cases of Covid-19, with nine people now undergoing treatment for the virus across the country.

Laos has not reported any deaths from Covid-19.

Lao government has issued additional instructions to tighten Covid-19 measures, including the temporary closure of all entertainment venues across the country.

According to a notice issued by the Prime Minister's Office, authorities have announced the temporary closure of all pubs, karaoke venues, and nightclubs throughout the country to prevent the spread of Covid-19, which will remain in effect until the end of April.

Residents are being urged to avoid travel during this time, and all events and gatherings where social distancing cannot be maintained have been prohibited.

Lao government has warned people to adhere strictly to Covif-19 prevention measures, including maintaining social distancing, washing hands with soap or gel, wearing face masks, and regularly checking their temperature, according to the notice.

Lao authorities at every level will continue monitoring the situation and implementing Covid-19 prevention measures in accordance with notices issued by the Prime Minister's Office.