Lao Covid-19 cases remain at 9

Laos reported no increase in Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, with total confirmed infections remaining at nine, according to the national committee in charge of prevention and control measures.
Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Standing Member of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Associate Prof Dr Phouthone Muongpak said the committee tested samples from 31 suspected infected people on March 30. All of the cases tested negative.

Some 23 of those suspected were from Vientiane, two from each Luang Prabang and Champassak and one from each Phongsaly, Saravan, Xayaboury, Xekong provinces.
Over recent months, the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has already tested more than 400 suspected cases nationwide.
On top of that, the committee has identified and is monitoring 183 people who had close contact with infected cases.
Authorities have demanded these people to impose self-quarantine at home to stop the spread of the coronavirus and doctors have been assigned to monitor their symptoms closely.
Regarding the condition of the nine infected people being cared for at Mittaphab Hospital and Luang Prabang Hospital, the committee said their health was stable. All were receiving excellent treatment from medical staff.
Despite seeing no increase in virus cases, Associate Prof Dr Phouthone urged the relevant authorities to translate the PM’s order on measures to control the nation’s Covid-19 outbreak into practical action.
He added that concerned sectors should produce clear guidelines for personnel assigned to assist with the outbreak prevention as well as instructing everyone to work from home, citing these measures would ensure effective Covid-19 control.
Associate Prof Dr Phouthone suggestion was made amid public concern that some officials ordered to work from home would use this opportunity to hold gatherings and travel, contrary to coronavirus prevention efforts.
The government is restricting public movements around the country from April 1-19 as part of social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19 in Laos.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update March 31, 2020)