Vientiane Times

Home Lao Chinese

Authorities urge public not to misuse COVID-19 hotlines

Laos’ efforts against the coronavirus are being hampered by too many people tying up national information hotlines to pass on fake news to health authorities, according to a leading official.
This was the message from Deputy Head of the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Muongpak at a press conference last week.
As of Friday, over 4,000 calls had been made to the direct 166 or 165 hotlines, but only 632 callers asked questions related to COVID-19.
“We are calling on the public to stop giving fake information about COVID-19 to health officials because it could lead to a failure to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.
“All calls to the direct 166 or 165 hotline numbers should only seek knowledge on COVID-19. For example, if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing,” he said. 
In addition, if authorities know callers are deliberately passing on false information, they could face legal action if the reports cause harm to others, Dr Phouthone added.
Staff and resources are being wasted by hotline callers who do not seek virus health advice but instead relay useless fake news to officials.
Laos launched the official website www.covid19.gov.la and direct 166 or 165 hotlines staffed by 31 officials last month so the public can access factual information during the country’s COVID-19 crisis. 
The resources contain information related to COVID-19 circumstances in Laos as well as methods to prevent members of the public from getting infecting and which symptoms should necessitate a visit to the doctor to check for the virus. The flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.


By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update April 21, 2020)


Newspaper Subscription l Newspaper Advertisement l Online Advertisement l Online Subscription

Vientiane Times Phonpapao Village, Unit 32, Sisattanak District, P.O.Box: 5723 Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21) 336042, 336048, Fax: (856-21) 336041

Email:
info@vientianetimes.la
Copyright © 1999 Vientiane Times.