By Ms. Vanpheng Sirimongkhoune, MDM 2014 Alumni Coordinator-LAO PDR
In Lao PDR, there are 19 confirmed COVID19 cases, specifically in Vientiane and in some provinces starting from the end of March 2020. There are no deaths and severe cases reported. Last April 11, 2020, all confirmed cases have been discharged by the local government.
To prevent and control this COVID 19 pandemic, the Prime Minister issued an executive order last March 2020 which prohibits all offices, restaurants, retail shops, factories, barber shops from operating and international checkpoints and borders into Lao PDR are closed. Schools are also closed but was reopened last May 2020. This is the first time that Laos has experienced this pandemic. People developed panic, fear and worry with their loved ones, stress on having financial difficulties, loss of jobs and health issues.
During the 5 week lockdown, things were getting expensive and people got bored with restriction of travelling and gathering with friends.
Normally, during Mid of April, the street of Vientiane are usually filled with big crowds of people, celebrating Lao New Year by throwing water at each other, playing loud music, gathering with friends and family. Unfortunately, this year, the celebration has been cancelled. This is the first time in Lao history that families couldn’t go out to celebrate the country’s biggest festival.
As we continue to fight COVID-19, I also did own share to help the government. I feel very honored to be one of the frontliners supporting local hospitals (district and provincial hospitals) for their planning and preparations in responding to this pandemic. We from the Ministry of Health helped them identify isolation rooms for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. We also guided them in the screening areas and assisted the experts in providing the training on clinical management of COVID for health providers.
We are currently implementing the new normal: change in sleep and eating patterns, practice social distancing, restrictions on gathering, wash hands often, wear masks when going out from home.