Health authorities outline ongoing measures against Covid-19 

Laos has been preparing medical teams to prevent a widespread outbreak of Covid-19, and more control measures are expected in the wake of confirmed cases, according to a leading health official.
Deputy Head of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone  Muongpak told a press conference on Tuesday that health officials were strengthening measures for coronavirus response and ensuring that the public can access healthcare.
“We expect that over 800 medical staff, including doctors and nurses from government and private hospitals, as well as medical teams from the Lao People’s Armed Forces, will join the effort against Covid-19,” he said.
The government was also mobilising support and assistance from development partners and friendly countries, he added.
Lao health authorities also have close coordination with their counterparts in China, who have experience in controlling the virus and treating patients.
Recently, Lao doctors attended training and exchanged lessons learned from foreign countries concerning the treatment of virus patients.
He noted the government had supported training for thousands of local health workers at the national and sub-national levels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The ministry is also advising the general public to protect themselves against the virus by limiting contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
Everyone is instructed to wash their hands with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces or coming into contact with someone who has been coughing.
The government urges everyone to be on their guard and take precautions such as distancing themselves from people with coughs.
According to the ministry, Mittaphab Hospital and Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane have medical staff on standby along with specialised equipment to treat people with the Covid-19.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update March 26, 2020)