Virus taskforce calls for stricter compliance with Covid-19 controls

The national committee in charge of Covid-19 prevention and control on Monday urged authorities and people nationwide to comply with the measures put in place to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.
The government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as ordered by the Prime Minister’s Office after the number of cases has increased in Thailand.
Everyone is urged to observe social distancing, wash their hands regularly, wear a face mask when in a crowded place, and to cough into a folded elbow or a tissue so that germs do not spread.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, Dr Sisavath Soutthaniraxay, on Monday addressed a press conference on Covid-19.
He said one of five Covid-19 patients in the Friendship Hospital in Vientiane was set to return home the same day after twice testing negative for the virus while four others are still under observation.
The taskforce is urging tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues to evaluate the risk of Covid-19 among travellers and hotel guests and to fully comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
People who have spent time in an outbreak country, including Thailand, must have their temperature checked before being admitted to a hotel or guesthouse.
The ruling on health checks and provision of information about the virus to visitors was in immediate effect so that people would be informed of the situation before checking into a hotel and entering a place of entertainment, Dr Sisavath said.
Provincial administration and national security authorities have been instructed to strengthen border controls as part of virus prevention measures.
From January to December, 8,305 people were tested for Covid-19 and 41 were found to be infected with the virus.
Laos has imposed uniform standards of self-monitoring and quarantine for the staff of international organisations, business executives, and general workers. A 14-day period of self-monitoring is required for everyone entering Laos even if they have no symptoms of Covid-19. 
According to a Thai media report, 576 new cases of laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 were reported on December 20 by the Ministry of Public Health. The total number of cases reported in Thailand is currently 4,907.
The 576 new cases reported on Sunday represent the largest number of Covid-19 cases reported in Thailand to date, and include two Lao nationals. Forty-one people tested positive for the virus after entering Thailand and 535 people contracted the virus within the country.

By Phetphoxay Sengapseuth
(Latest Update December 22, 2020)