Luang Namtha witnesses positive results in COVID-19 prevention
 
Luang Namtha province has achieved excellent results in COVID-19 control and prevention through an effective awareness campaign in targeted border districts, but the public must continue to comply with preventive measures to avert another outbreak.
So far, no coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the province. However, the province still faces challenges being considered a high-risk region for the virus as it borders populous China that reported the first cases in Wuhan late last year. 

Director of the Provincial Health Department, and Deputy President of the Provincial Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Dr Khamchanh Inthongxay outlined local actions to thwart the pandemic to Lao media during their recent visit to the province which was supported by UNICEF and USAID.
“We have a medical team for 24-hour emergency services and likewise, the capacity of provincial hospitals, military, and police hospitals were scaled up to ensure timely health services,” he said.
The three hospitals have allocated separate facilities for COVID-19 response with medical staff on standby along with specialised equipment to treat people with the virus. 
The department followed the orders of the government and organised public health education campaigns for prevention and control, allowing parents to understand the seriousness of the pandemic and to protect their families and community, he said.
Deputy Director-General of Luang Namtha Hospital, Dr Phouvieng Duangdara, said the hospital has several isolation rooms, each of which can accommodate one person.   
He also noted that health authorities advised anyone with flu-like symptoms who has travelled to an outbreak area or had any contact with an at-risk group to get in touch with hospital staff.
The hospital would provide free treatment for anyone who contracts the virus. Doctors and nurses are divided into teams to take care of patients on a seven-day rotation, he said.
Meanwhile, district education offices are recommending the cleaning of all schools with disinfectant as part of the campaign, while parents and children are given information about safety measures at school.
Temperature checks are undertaken before entering school, and students must wear masks and wash their hands with soap frequently. Social distancing is promoted by maintaining at least one metre between children, according to the provincial Education and Sports Department.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update June 24, 2020)