Laos capital extends school closures amid fears of community spread of Covid-19

VIENTIANE, Aug 16 (Xinhua): The Lao Ministry of Health has issued a notice extending the closure of schools in the Lao capital Vientiane amid fears of community spread of Covid-19.

According to a latest notice issued by the Vientiane capital Education and Sports department under the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, all public and private educational facilities from preschools through to universities will be closed across Lao capital Vientiane following several new cases reported in the community.

Schools that have opened for enrollment must be well-allocated, maintain social distance, and allow a restricted number of pupils each day. Those that take the competency exam for the secondary levels of grades 1 and 5 must comply with the Covid-19 prevention and control measures.

The Ministry of Education and Sports first issued a notice ordering the closure of schools following an outbreak of Covid-19 in Lao capital Vientiane in late April.

Laos is struggling to contain the spread of Covid-19 due to the influx of workers returning from Thailand, many of whom have brought the virus into Laos.

Provinces that share a border with Thailand, including Champasak, Khammuan, Savannakhet and Saravan, have intensified measures to keep the virus in check.

As of Monday, the total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Laos stood at 10,141 with nine deaths. A total of 5,953 Covid-19 patients have recovered from the pandemic and been discharged from hospitals.

Laos reported its first two confirmed cases of Covid-19 on March 24 last year. - Xinhua