PM inspects facilities prepared for virus patients

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and authorities yesterday visited facilities prepared for coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, despite there being no confirmed case in Laos.
The premier visited and inspected first-hand the Vientiane Academy for Politics and Management in Nongbuathong village, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane.

He also inspected a state-run training complex in Dongxiengdy village as well as the National Stadium at KM 16 in Xaythany district.
The monitoring of the facilities by the PM came as concerns rise about possible infections or even an outbreak as many Lao workers in neighbouring Thailand – where hundreds of people were reportedly infected with the virus - head home.
Like many countries, Thai authorities ordered a temporary shutdown of some businesses and workplaces leaving many Lao labourers jobless, hence the journey home.
It is also believed that many Lao nationals are coming home for the upcoming Lao New Year, scheduled for the middle of next month.
There are concerns that some workers could carry the virus from the neighbouring country that is struggling to control the outbreak there.
The number of those infected with COVID-19 could soon escalate to thousands in Thailand if people don’t strictly follow the social-distancing measures, Thailand’s The Nation reported yesterday.
Thailand, home to a huge number of Lao workers, is already in the “golden period” of infections since the country now has 721 cases.
Although there is no confirmed case of infection in Laos so far, local health authorities said they were prepared to handle infections or an outbreak should it occur.
Health officials and medical staff have been trained and facilities prepared in this regard, including those visited by the PM yesterday.
Facilities are also prepared for suspected cases.
In Vientiane, four hospitals – Mittaphab Hospital, Mahosot Hospital, Setthethirath Hospital and 103 Hospital have been designated for the isolation of suspected cases.
In the provinces, suspected patients will be isolated at provincial hospitals.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 24, 2020)