Laos confirms 573 new cases of Covid-19; numbers higher after outbreak at a prison in Khammouane Province

VIENTIANE, Oct 15: Laos has recorded 573 new cases of Covid-19 across the country onn Friday (Oct 15) with an outbreak at a prison in Khammouane Province pushing the numbers higher, reports Laotian Times.

The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control reported that 6,512 tests were conducted across the country over the last 24 hours, with 573 new cases confirmed.

There were 571 cases of community spread and two imported cases across the country and capital Vientiane again had the highest number of cases 145 cases recorded across 73 villages in seven districts.

In Luang Prabang Province, a total of 45 cases of community spread were recorded, with 12 cases in Nambak District.

Laos now has 7,529 active cases of Covid-19, with 36 confirmed deaths, and 31,188 total cases.

Meanwhile, 231 people recovered and were discharged from hospitals around the country yesterday.

First dose vaccinations have now reached 42.13% of the eligible population, while second dose vaccinations have now reached

Meanwhile, the sixth batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines has been handed over to the Lao side upon arrival at the Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday night (Oct 13).

Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong, after handing over the one million doses of vaccines to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, said the COVID-19 outbreak is spreading around the world, and the epidemic situation in Laos is still developing.

The ambassador said winning the fight against the epidemic is the longing of all and the real need of the Lao people. As a community with a shared future, China is willing to continue to take the anti-epidemic assistance to Laos as a priority.

The Chinese side is striving to donate altogether 6.8 million doses of vaccines to Laos in this year, to help the Lao side to exceed the annual vaccination target and to jointly build a global community of health for all, said the ambassador.