Laos considers home isolation for COVID-19 patients or close contacts

The Lao Ministry of Health announced that in the past 24 hours, the country recorded 307 new COVID-19 cases, including 301 community infections.

Lao has recorded 307 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours.
Lao has recorded 307 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours.

The ministry said the number of community infections accounted for the majority of new infections recorded in 10 provinces and cities across the country.

It said that the sharp increase in the number of infections in recent days has put the country's health system at risk of overload, although many provinces have opened more makeshift hospitals. Laos is considering home isolation for COVID-19 patients or close contacts. This measure will help ease the workload for hospitals and enable them to focus more on treating severe cases.

In addition, the Lao Government requested the specialised committees at all levels to direct relevant stakeholders to continue preparing quarantine centres and adequate treatment facilities; and allocating budget to purchase medical supplies, vaccines and necessary equipment.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Government has adjusted a number of requirements before the end of the Restriction on Community Activities (PPKM) order until October 4.

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs allowed each flight to carry a maximum of 90 passengers and ensures all regulations on medical safety. Airline passengers must present a certificate of negative PCR test results up to 48 hours before departure.

On the island of Java-Bali, domestic travellers by public transport such as airplanes must present a vaccination certificate with at least one dose of vaccine. Persons traveling to and from Java-Bali and PPKM Level 4 areas must present a vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test.

The Ministry of Health introduced more flexible forms in monitoring COVID-19 through different phone applications.