No new Covid-19 cases for 12 consecutive days

The Lao government has recorded no new Covid-19 cases for 12 consecutive days, though authorities are continuing to implement strict monitoring measures to prevent the spread of the virus until May 3.

Dr Phouthone Muongpak (centre) addresses the news conference in Vientiane on Friday. --Photo Khamphan

The Deputy Head of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Dr Phouthone Muongpak, told a daily news conference: "Laos hasn't recorded any Coronavirus cases for 12 consecutive days but we continue to have strict monitoring measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, specially by those coming to the country. " 

He added, “We have strict measures for Lao workers from other countries who have come back home and they have been isolated at the quarantine centres."

All people should comply with the measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as laid down in the Prime Minister’s Order No 06, he said. 

Up to 5 pm on April 23, a total of 1,264 people entering Laos through international border checkpoints were checked for Covid-19 and none of them showed signs of fever.

Of these, 792 people crossed the border with Thailand, and most of them were truck drivers bringing goods into Laos.

A total of 157 truck drivers crossed the Laos-China border, while 315 truck drivers entered Laos from Vietnam.

At all border checkpoints, the temperature of each traveller was checked.

Dr Phouthone said a total of 83 samples were tested for the Coronavirus on April 23, including those of 12 people suspected to be infected by the virus, and all the results were negative.

Fourteen people are still being treated at Mittaphab Hospital and only one patient remains in the Luang Prabang provincial hospital. All of them have only mild symptoms.

As of April 23, a total of 1,228 people, including Lao workers and students who came to the country from neighbouring nations, were in 292 quarantine centres, and another 880 people were in self-quarantine at home. 

A total of 366 samples were tested for the Coronavirus but all results were negative.

As of 6 am on April 24, the Coronavirus has infected more than 2,714,995 people in 210 countries. It has claimed more than 190,397 lives, while at least 744,961 people have been discharged from hospital after recovering, according to the Taskforce Committee.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update April 24, 2020)