Authorities remain concerned about Covid-19 community outbreak

The continuing increase in the number of community-acquired Covid-19 cases remains a great concern, despite a decline in new cases reported on Thursday.
Meanwhile the government has extended the lockdown from may 21 until June 4.
However, some restrictions will be eased in virus-free areas of the country so that people can travel and goods can be transported between provinces.
The government has urged everyone to be patient and support the battle to contain the virus, with officials saying they are aware that the lockdown is affecting people’s livelihoods as well as the national economy.

Authorities stress that if everyone bands together and complies with government guidelines, the country will overcome the challenges it currently faces. 
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control of the Ministry of Health, Dr Sisavath Soutthaniraxay, said “The global pandemic has worsened and more than 1 million new cases were recorded in just two days last week.”
Laos recorded 14 new cases on Thursday, bringing the total number nationwide to 1,751, while 740 people have been discharged from hospitals.
Of the total new cases, five were reported in Vientiane, while Champassak province reported six (all imported) and Savannakhet reported five (all imported).
“The community outbreak here in Laos began in mid-April, starting at places of entertainment and spreading to specific groups of people, families and friends,” Dr Sisavath said.
“The virus is now spreading more widely, to people who work in offices, factories and at companies, because infected people are continuing to meet up and move around. I urge everyone to stay at home, except for essential reasons, to avoid contracting the virus and to help the country contain the outbreak.”
The virus has spread rapidly in Vientiane, forcing authorities to enhance lockdown measures in villages designated as red zones and stepping up efforts to trace those who have come into contact with infected people.
Health officials are sending out mobile units to collect samples from people living in red zones, so that test results can be used to trace infected people as soon as possible.
In addition, health officials have stressed the need to expedite the vaccination programme to slow the spread of infection.
So far, more than 542,130 people have received a first dose of the vaccine, while more than 92,580 people have received a second dose.
In Vientiane, health officials have administered a first dose to almost 200,000 people. Those wishing to be inoculated will have to wait for the next shipment of vaccines to arrive, which is expected soon.
Health officials are now offering second shots in Vientiane, according to the Deputy Director of the Mother and Child Health Centre, Dr Viengkhan Phixay.
These are available at district hospitals and main hospitals including Mahosot, Mittaphab, 103 Military Hospital and the Hamesa Police Hospital, which are open from Monday to Friday.
First doses of the vaccine will be administered in some provinces, including Phongsaly, Huaphan, Xieng Khuang, Xaysomboun and Khammuan.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update May 21, 2021)