COVID-19 pandemic in Laos
COVID-19 viral pandemic in Laos
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The COVID-19 pandemic in Laos is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On 24 March 2020, Laos became the last country in Southeast Asia to report its confirmed case of the virus. As of 5 June 2022, there were a total of 210,081 cases and 756 deaths. On 4 May 2021, Laos exceeded 1,000 cases of COVID-19. Five days later, the country recorded the first death.
| COVID-19 pandemic in Laos | |
|---|---|
| Disease | COVID-19 |
| Virus strain | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Location | Laos |
| First outbreak | Wuhan, China |
| Index case | Vientiane |
| Arrival date | 24 March 2020 (6 years, 1 month and 1 week) |
| Confirmed cases | 219,060[1] |
| Recovered | 217,811 (updated 23 July 2023) [2] |
Deaths | 671[1] |
| Fatality rate | 0.31% |
| Government website | |
| Centre of Information and Education for Health | |
On 21 December 2021, Laos overtook China in terms of the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Background
On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.[3][4]
The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003,[5][6] but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.[7][5]
Timeline
2020
March
On 13 March, provincial authorities closed some of border posts.[8]
On 24 March, Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases, becoming the last Southeast Asian country infected with coronavirus.[9][10]
On 26 March, the Vientiane Times confirmed the country's third COVID-19 case.[11]
On 27 March, there were six cases confirmed. Two more men from Luang Prabang, and one from Vientiane.[12]
On 28 March, there were 2 more confirmed, bringing a total to 8.[13]
On 30 March, there was 1 more confirmed, bringing everything to a total of 9.[14]
April
On 1 April, one more case was confirmed, bringing a total to 10.[15]
On 5 April 2020, the 11th case was reported as a 55-year-old man from Papua New Guinea.[16]
The government announced a lockdown on 29, March, starting on 30 March. All land borders closed and the last flights departed from Luang Prabang and Vientiane occurred on 1 April.[17]
May
By May 18, more restrictions had been loosened, allowing domestic travel, without foreign travellers allowed.[18]
June
On 2 June, students returned to classrooms.[19]
On 4 June, the government allowed foreign travellers into the country.[20]
July to December
On 25 July, one new case was confirmed. It was a South Korean national.[21]
2,621 people were isolated over concerns.[22]
2021
March
A second wave of vaccinations occurred.[23]
May
On the morning of 9 May, Laos recorded the first death due to COVID-19. The Embassy of Vietnam in Vientiane confirmed that was a Vietnamese woman died after one week of treatment.[24]
Statistics
| Province | Confirmed | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Savannakhet | 6,865 | 8 |
| Vientiane | 6,299 | 6 |
| Champasak | 5,076 | 4 |
| Khammouane | 2,503 | 1 |
| Salavan | 1,653 | 1 |
| Bokeo | 1,097 | 0 |
| Luang Prabang | 613 | 0 |
| Vientiane Province | 341 | 1 |
| Bolikhamsai | 138 | 0 |
| Luang Namtha | 103 | 0 |
| Xaisomboun | 82 | 0 |
| Xayaboury | 55 | 0 |
| Oudomxay | 38 | 0 |
| Xiangkhouang | 26 | 0 |
| Attapeu | 12 | 0 |
| Sekong | 8 | 0 |
| Phongsaly | 7 | 0 |
Confirmed new cases per day
Confirmed deaths per day
Assistance
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The Laotian Times says China sent medical experts, medical equipment and medicines, to help Laos fight COVID-19.[25]
On 27 March, Vietnam offers help by sending medical equipment worth US$100,000.[26]
In April 2021, the Vietnamese government decided to provide a financial aid of US$500,000 to fight against COVID disease, in addition to sending experts and supporting additional medical equipment for Laos.[27] On 4 May 2021, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son and 32 experts departed for Laos to set up field hospitals, increase emergency resuscitation and strengthen testing capacity.[28]
Censorship
Some people have been arrested for allegedly spreading false information about the COVID-19 pandemic.[29]
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