Laos locks down its capital Vientiane as Covid-19 cases hit record high

A laboratory technician isolates Covid-19 samples at a lab. - AFP

Bangkok, Sept 20, 2021 (AFP): Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high.

The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases -- though the low number was due in part to limited testing.