Covid measures extended until October 30, two new deaths confirmed

The government has extended Covid-19 control measures for another 15 days until October 30 as the virus outbreak escalates.
The Prime Minister’s Office on Friday issued a notice ordering the extension.
On Sunday, authorities confirmed two new deaths, bringing the total death toll to 40.
One of those who died was a businessman, 69, living in Chommany village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane. He had not been vaccinated and suffered from epilepsy, diabetes and hypertension. He was admitted to Mittaphab Hospital on September 26 and tested positive for Covid on September 29.
The second death was that of a Myanmar national, 33, living in Tonpheung district, Bokeo province. He had not been vaccinated and had diabetes. After a week of flu-like symptoms which he treated with over-the-counter medicine, he got tested for Covid on September 25 which produced a positive result.
As of October 17, Laos has 32,029 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 296 reported on the day. Some 7,258 people, accounting for 0.09 percent of the total population, are being treated for the illness. 
Addressing a media briefing, Vice Chairman of the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Mrs Thipphakone Chanthavongsa, said the spiralling number of cases justified the extension of restrictions.
Over the past two weeks, the number of locally-transmitted cases has risen by 98.5 percent.
The government called on people from all walks of life to strictly comply with the Covid control measures and warned that anyone breaching the rules would be penalised in line with the regulations.
Fact-finding officials at all levels were told to continue carrying out investigations into the origins of and reasons for new cases in each locality and to identify the individuals and entities responsible. 
The government has told authorities in charge to accelerate the vaccination programme so that more people are immunised against the virus. To this end, authorities were told to speed up the formulation of plans to distribute and administer vaccines to target groups so they were used before their expiry date.
Authorities were also instructed to prepare sufficient quarantine and treatment facilities to handle the rising number of cases. Officials in charge of financial affairs were asked to prepare a budget for the purchase of medical equipment including virus testing reagents, vaccine, and medicines.
The government told authorities to make sure that Lao workers, students and officials returning from neighbouring countries spent 28 days in quarantine. This period consists of 14 days in a quarantine centre set up by the government or provincial authorities and another 14 days in a facility arranged by district or village officials.
People undergoing quarantine in hotels designated by Covid-19 taskforces need spend only 14 days in quarantine.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 18, 2021)