Incomers increase risk of Covid transmission, taskforce warns

Authorities have highlighted the increased risk of Covid-19 transmission caused by people returning to Laos from Thailand, where the number of infections has surged in recent weeks.
Thailand now has a record number of “red zones” across the country, where people have contracted the Delta and Alpha variants of the virus.
Lao nationals normally resident in Thailand have the right to return home whenever they want but it is essential that they enter Laos at official border crossings where they can be screened for Covid-19.

Government Spokesperson, Mrs Thippakone Chanthavongsa, highlighted the issue on Tuesday when addressing a media briefing.
People who arrive in Laos with flu-like or Covid-19 symptoms will be taken to a hospital for observation and asked to provide samples for lab tests, she said.
Everyone arriving in Laos without symptoms is required to self-monitor and take his or her temperature daily for 14 days. If going to a public place, they must wear a face mask.
The recent rise in community transmission of the virus in several provinces is worrisome, she said.
More people are now illegally travelling between provinces, while bars and restaurants have begun to open secretly in violation of the regulations, she added.
People who flout the regulations are at risk of transmitting the virus to family and friends, leading to new clusters and prolonging the lockdown.
Mrs Thippakone urged everyone to strictly follow the regulations issued by the government and the National Taskforce to prevent another major outbreak of Covid-19.
Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, Dr Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh, said that following 858 tests over the last 24 hours, 25 new cases of Covid-19 had been identified, with a new cluster forming in Vientiane province.
One case was recorded in Vientiane, while 13 new cases were identified in Vientiane province.
Khammuan and Savannakhet provinces each recorded one imported case, while Champassak recorded nine imported cases.
A total of 2,101 cases have been recorded, with 140 being currently active.
Dr Rattanaxay said the case recorded in Vientiane was that of a five-year-old girl who lived in Houaxang village, Naxaithong district, who tested positive on June 28.
Dr Rattanxay reminded everyone that even though they had received one or two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine they should continue to follow virus prevention measures and wear a face mask, wash their hands regular, and practise social distancing.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update June 30, 2021)