Lao SUSU online platform launched for effective prevention of Covid-19

The Lao SUSU mobile application has been launched in the country to ensure the effective implementation of control measures aimed at preventing and containing Covid-19.
The ceremony marking the launch of the Lao SUSU app was chaired by the Minister of Health, Prof. Dr Bounfeng Phommalaisith, and co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications, Mr Santisouk Simmalavong.

The application has been launched at a time when there is a need for a more effective tracking and tracing systems that make greater use of digital services. This will help speed up the recovery from the economic and societal impacts of the pandemic.
End-users can use the application to monitor symptoms and to track and trace time lines. The system can correctly identify persons who are expected to be at risk, and all this is done through a mobile phone number.
The app also facilitates vaccination and testing for Covid-19 in an orderly and safe manner for both the public and paramedics.
The Director General of the E-Government Centre of the Ministry of Technology and Communications, Dr Thavisak Manotham, said during an interview following the launch of the app that the use of a QR code will allow health authorities to monitor the movement of the people, and make it easier to undertake contact tracing in the event of a localised Covid-19 outbreak.
Dr Thavisak said the app is available for both IOS and Android systems, and can be downloaded for free at the App Store or Play Store.
He said his team is trying to ensure that downloads of the app are completely free of charge and do not attract data usage fees from internet service providers.
He said the Lao SUSU app has five functions, including iFeel (my symptoms), which allows users to report symptoms when in isolation, including body temperature, fever, cough and tiredness, and iGo (where I go), which allows users to check-in before entering a location by scanning a QR code.
The system will alert users in the event that a confirmed case of Covid-19 has been to that location at the same time.
The other functions are Timeline (activity), which records a timeline and reports to medical personnel,  iVac (vaccination), which allows users to register and make appointments for vaccination, and  iTest (to test for Covid-19), which allows users to register and make  appointments for Covid-19 testing.
The Lao SUSU track and trace application will also allow users to check-in at restaurants, retail shops, or public spaces by scanning a QR Code.
This will help authorities more easily undertake contact tracing when searching for those who may be infected with Covid-19, or those at risk who have visited the same location as an infected person.
Dr Thavisak said his ministry and the Ministry of Health plan to continue developing the app, and may implement a “Covid-19 passport” function that will certify those who have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines.
Public areas and businesses such as restaurants and retail shops will be required to register for a QR Code under the system at www.laokyc.gov.la and display it at their premises.
So far, much of the app remains unavailable in the English language.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update July 7, 2021)