COVID-19 pandemic in Laos


The COVID-19 pandemic in Laos is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. On 24 March 2020, Laos became the last country in Southeast Asia to report its first confirmed case of the virus. As of 27 June 2020, all cases are recovered.

Background

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization 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.
The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.

Timeline

On 13 March, provincial authorities closed some of border posts.
On 24 March, Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases, becoming the last Southeast Asian country infected with coronavirus.
On 26 March, the Vientiane Times confirmed the country's third COVID-19 case.
On 27 March, there were six cases confirmed. Two more men from Luang Prabang, and one from Vientiane.
On 28 March, there were 2 more confirmed, bringing a total to 8.
On 30 March, there was 1 more confirmed, bringing everything to a total of 9.
On 1 April, one more case was confirmed, bringing a total to 10.
On April 5, 2020, the 11th case was reported as a 55-year-old man from Papua New Guinea.
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.
By May 18, more restrictions had been loosened, allowing domestic travel, without foreign travellers allowed.
On June 2, students returned to classrooms.
On June 4, the government allowed foreign travellers into the country.

Confirmed Cases

Assists

The Laotian Times says China sent medical experts, medical equipment and medicines, to help Laos fight COVID-19.
On 27 March, Vietnam offers help by sending medical equipment worth.

Censorship

Some people have been arrested for allegedly spreading false information about the COVID-19 pandemic.