Covid-19 Taskforce Sets Up Four Testing Centres
Source: Vientiane Times
The National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control is using four additional places in its efforts to identify and test people who may be infected with Covid-19, who will now be tested for the virus.
The expanded checks come after a 25-year-old woman from Phonsavang village in Chanthabouly district was found to have contracted the virus and had visited numerous places in Vientiane.
Director General of the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Dr Phonepadith Xangsayarath, said the taskforce is using a stadium in Beung Kha Yong village, Sisattanak district; Chao Anouvong stadium in Chanthaboury district; Ho Chi Minh School in Sikhottabong district; and the Lao-Viet Friendship Secondary School in Xaysettha district.
The aim is to ensure that screening and sampling of people at risk for Covid-19 is carried out in a timely and efficient manner.
Dr Phonepadith called on everyone who went to any of the places known to have been visited by the infected woman to immediately go to a hospital or other medical facility near their home.
He also stressed the need for everyone to continue to observe social distancing, wash their hands regularly, and to wear a face mask.
On Tuesday, the Vientiane Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control ordered the temporary closure of several places thought to be at risk of spreading the virus after the woman visited these places.
The closure order will remain in force until May 4.
The places to be closed are the Funny 89 restaurant in Thasavang village, Xaythany district, 1111 massage parlour, Diamond Karaoke and Marina Night Club, and Vientiane College in Nongbone village, Xaysettha district.
The taskforce has also ordered the temporary closure of the Cheuang Hotel in Sibounhueng village, Chanthaboury district; What’s Club, Karaoke 8118 and the noodle shop “Kai Phou Aok” in Hong Kaikeo village, Chanthaboury district; Lao-Viet School in Phonephanao village Xaysettha district; Simeuang temple in Sisattanak district; and areas considered to be at risk for transmission of the virus in Phonsavang village, Chanthaboury district.
Another 28 people have tested positive for Covid-19 after 656 people were tested for the virus on Wednesday, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced.
