23 new locally-transmitted Covid cases reported

Health authorities on Tuesday announced 23 new locally-transmitted cases of Covid-19 and 184 imported cases, with most being identified among migrant workers returning from Thailand.
The new figures raise the total number of cases to date to 10,648.
Vientiane recorded 24 new imported cases, while Xayaboury province recorded two imported cases.
Khammuan province recorded 111 imported cases and 8 locally-transmitted cases.
Saravan recorded 27 new imported cases and Savannakhet recorded 18 imported cases, while Champassak recorded one imported case.
Tonpheung district in Bokeo province recorded 15 locally-transmitted cases, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced on August 17.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control of the Ministry of Health, Dr Sisavath Soutthaniraxay, said the taskforce has classified Huameuangtay, Phonesavangneua and Sounantha villages in Kaysone Phomvihane city, Savannakhet province, as red zones. These areas will remain in this category until August 25.
Hongkae village in Xaysettha district, Vientiane, has also been classified as a red zone until August 25.
To slow the virus outbreak, the government is rolling out the vaccination programme as quickly as possible in the hope of immunising 50 percent of the population by the end of this year.
People who have been vaccinated are encouraged to continue to comply with the virus prevention measures laid down by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, especially with regard to social distancing.
Covid-19 taskforces around the country have urged everyone to follow the lockdown rules with regard to travel restrictions and social gatherings, as these may cause people who are unaware they are carrying the virus to pass it on to others.

By Times Reporters
  (Latest Update August 18, 2021)