Authorities instructed to monitor returning workers’ self-quarantine

Local and health authorities across the country need to monitor the self-quarantine of workers returning to the country to prevent the spread of the Covid-19, according to a leading official. 

Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Khampheng Saysomepheng gave the directions while visiting the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge to view efforts to facilitate the safe return of local labourers.
“Village officials will supervise their 14-days of self-quarantine to ensure they are not infected with Covid-19,” he said.
“All people at self-quarantine facilities must have their temperature checked every day to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health and Deputy Head of the Task Force Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Moungpak, told a recent press conference on assistance to Lao labour that local authorities and health services were responsible for taking care of returning workers at the self-quarantine facilities and their daily needs.  
“We have a hotline between the committee and local authorities to discuss daily issues, including assisting returning workers in each province. Facilities have been prepared in this regard as well as for suspected cases,” he said.
Health officials are checking the travel history of returning workers and implementing social-distancing measures.
If any workers are confirmed as having Covid-19, the ministry will also ask those who have been in close contact with them to take a test, Dr Phouthone said.
Xayaboury is one such province which has intensified preventive measures since the first confirmed virus cases in Laos.
Local health authorities have now imposed self-quarantine measures for all people. Samples will be taken from anyone showing symptoms for diagnosis with those suspected of carrying the virus to be isolated and monitored at a hospital.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update March 31, 2020)