COVID-19: update on the situation in Laos 04/22/21
Since the first case of Covid-19 in Laos on 24 March 2020, Laos was one of 13 countries that could control well Covid-19. Until 11th April 2021, this country recorded 51 cases, 45 cases recovery, and no death.
However, the number of cases of COVID-19 in Laos skyrocketed after the New Year holidays. From the second week of April 2021, 11 people, the vast majority of Laotians arriving (legally or illegally) from Thailand, tested positive for covid-19. The feedback of information still makes it possible to identify 28 positive people among the contact cases.
Source: Lux Travel DMC
On 22nd April 2020, the government has decided to lock down Vientiane after recording 26 new cases in the community. This is the first time Laos has recorded a 2-digit number of new COVID-19 cases. During the blockade, people in Vientiane could not leave the city and out of their residence, except to the hospital, or go to assigned tasks. Laotian could only go out for buying essential goods.
In Laos, people are encouraged to keep the appropriate number of staff. Those who do not come to work still work normally at home online.
The government prohibits meetings, events with more than 20 people. They continue to close entertainment shops, karaoke, internet cafes, massage, sports centers…
The Lao Prime Minister’s directive also emphasized the prohibition of taking advantage of opportunities to increase the price of goods such as medical equipment, food and drink, and daily utensils. Lao will establish more testing points, continuing to trace close contacts with COVID-19 patients in Vientiane. Besides, the government still continues to vaccinate priority subjects across the country.
