Second Covid-19 Death Confirmed

Source: Vientiane Times

A second person has died from Covid-19, marking only the second death caused by the virus in Laos since the start of the pandemic.

After more than a year without any deaths being recorded, a Vietnamese woman died from the virus on May 9 in a Vientiane hospital.

Now a 29-year-old man from Viengchaleun village, Vientiane’s Xaysettha district has died at the 103 Military Hospital in Vientiane, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

The man, who died yesterday, reportedly had diabetes and hypertension before being admitted to hospital.

His body was taken for cremation at a temple yesterday evening. Hospital staff who cared for the man will now spend 14 days in quarantine.

The taskforce also announced 16 new infections, with the total number now standing at 1,498. The positive test results were obtained after 1,200 samples were tested on May 13.

One of the new cases was reported in Vientiane, while the other 15 were recorded in Champassak province. All of them are believed to be imported.

Authorities are now collecting detailed information about the movements and contacts of the people who tested positive.

Health authorities say the strain of Covid-19 currently circulating in Laos is the UK variant, which is thought to be more infectious than the original virus.

A total of 1,498 cases of Covid-19 have now been recorded in Laos since the start of the pandemic.

To contain the spread of the virus the government has ordered a nationwide lockdown and people are banned from travelling.

Health officials urge anyone who believes they have come in contact with an infected person to self-isolate for 14 days.

The taskforce said new strains of Covid-19 can affect everyone, including young children and older people.