Laos records rising number of COVID-19 infections in community

The Lao Ministry of Health reported on October 20 that the country has logged 635 new COVID-19 cases, including 628 community infections, over the past 24 hours.

A road in Vientiane capital of Laos is blocked to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
A road in Vientiane capital of Laos is blocked to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

The new infections brought the total number of COVID-19 cases in Laos to 33,606.

The capital city of Vientiane remains a pandemic hotspot as it recorded 439 new infections in the community.

Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 47 since the pandemic broke out after two new fatalities were reported on the same day.

Amid complicated developments of the pandemic, the Lao Government asked localities to continue preparing enough quarantine centres and treatment establishments as well as standby budget to buy medical supplies, vaccines, medicines and other necessary equipment.

It also permitted state officials and civil servants, especially pregnant women, in pandemic-hit provinces to work from home.