Virus taskforce urges handwashing to ward off new infections

The National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control has called on the public to maintain proper handwashing to avoid a relapse of the virus, even though Laos has reported no new cases for 40 consecutive days.
Handwashing not only reduces the spread of COVID-19, but it can also prevent the transmission of other viral illnesses such as colds and flu.

Standing Deputy Head of the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Dr Phouthone Muongpak, made the remarks during the daily press conference in Vientiane on Friday.
He said five coronavirus patients were still being treated at Mittaphab Hospital in the capital, but all only had mild symptoms.
A total of 232 samples, including 90 Vietnamese workers, were tested on Thursday for the coronavirus, but all results were negative, he added.
Dr Phouthone called on society to comply with prevention measures announced by the Prime Minister’s office  and  the  National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control such as handwashing and social distancing in the expectation that additional restrictions could be eased after June 1.
The effective application of prevention and control measures by authorities and the public has been credited as a significant factor in the encouraging results so far. 
From January to May 21, some 5,044 people have been tested with 19 found to be infected by the coronavirus.
Up to 5 pm on May 21, some 2,232 people entered Laos and had their temperature checked.
Of these, 1,428 people crossed the border from Thailand with most being truck drivers bringing in freight and 48 Lao workers returning home.
A total of 90 people, mainly truck drivers, crossed the Laos-China border while 795  truck drivers entered from Vietnam. No passengers entered Laos at airports across the country.
According to figures from the taskforce committee, as of May 22, the coronavirus had spread to 213 countries and territories, with at least 5,186,837 confirmed cases globally (including 103,426 new infections).

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update May 23, 2020)