Covid Taskforce Orders Use Of Track And Trace QR Code

Source: Vientiane Times

People living in Laos and entering the country will be required to install the LaoKYC programme on their smartphones so they can use the Lao Sou Sou service to scan a QR code.

Downloading the QR code will enable individuals to be checked on entry to and departure from all locations and allow authorities to record information about their movements.

The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has ordered everyone to install the programme following problems in trying to track and trace people thought to be at risk of contracting Covid-19.

Health officials have found it difficult to get in touch with people who have had probable contact with infected people to ask them to be tested for the virus, according to the Lao Security newspaper.

People who do not have a smartphone will be required to give their phone number to staff on entry to shops, businesses and restaurants. The information will be stored for 30 days at the Lao information centre and will be kept secret.

All service providers, including restaurants and shops, must register for the system and set up a QR code via www.laokyc.gov.la, for use by people entering and leaving their premises.

The Ministry of Technology and Communications will work with the Ministry of Health to explain the use of the programme to business operators, and everyone is required to participate in the programme.

Taskforces for Covid-19 Prevention and Control in Vientiane and the provinces must draw up measures to penalise those who fail to comply with the LaoKYC programme, as well as those who do not wear a face mask or have their temperature checked.

The Lao SouSou service, set up through the LaoKYC programme, does not require payment for Internet use. More information about the system can be obtained by calling the hotline number 1919.

On Saturday, 32 new cases of Covid-19 were announced, with three people testing positive for the highly infectious Delta variant of the virus. The new cases were identified among 1,670 samples tested on July 1.

The new cases bring the total number of infections in Laos to 2,176. Three people have died and 187 people are currently receiving treatment or are under observation in hospital.

Of the 32 new cases, three were recorded in Vientiane, five in Savannakhet, 15 in Champassak, one in Saravan, and three in Khammuan, all of which were recorded among Lao workers returning from a neighbouring country. Five new cases that were reported in Vientiane province were transmitted locally.

Lockdown measures are still in force nationwide to control the spread of the virus, while health officials urge anyone who believes they have come in contact with an infected person to self-isolate for 14 days.