Local authorities urged to raise public awareness about virus prevention

Local authorities need to work harder to raise public awareness about prevention and control measures imposed by the government to contain the coronavirus, according to the responsible task force committee.
Speaking to local media at a press conference on Tuesday, Deputy Head of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control,

Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Muongpak underlined the importance of increasing public understanding so that they strictly observe the measures.
It was of critical importance to observe the measures, including free movement restrictions, social distancing and even self-quarantining at home, he said.
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has issued an executive order that intensifies public movement restriction and closes all international checkpoints for three weeks from April 1- 19.
People from all walks of lives are told to stay at home. But people can go out for essential purposes such as buying and transporting food and goods. Factories deemed at risk of infection are ordered to suspend operations.
Dr Phouthone, who is also Deputy Ministry of Health, stated that the full support and cooperation of local communities would significantly enhance the government’s effort to control Covid-19.
He made the suggestions as public complaints continue that many people in local communities are not willing to observe quarantine measures.  
Given that officials were told to work from home during the three weeks (April 1-19) under the PM’s executive order, concerns were also raised that some officials would take the opportunity to hold gatherings or travel in contravention of the Covid-19 prevention measures.
Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, Dr Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh said all people needed to learn more about Covid-19 and take steps to reduce the risk for infection among their family members.
This includes learning how the virus spreads in order to stay safe and how to deal with the infection.
The health ministry has urged the public to consume information from only reliable and official sources and to be aware of fake news.
If you have any flu-like symptoms and have travelled to an outbreak area, please contact health workers upon entry into Laos.
For anyone who has been to an outbreak area and developed symptoms after entering Laos, please call +856 20 5406 6777 to speak to a duty officer in Lao or English around the clock.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update April 1, 2020)