COVID-19: Laos increases medical supervision duration for returning workers

Taking sample for COVID-19 testing in Laos (Source: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) - The Lao Ministry of Health has said that it will increase the quarantine and medical supervision duration for returning workers, especially those from Thailand, due to concerns over the COVID-19 incubation period being longer than the isolation time or a risk of re-positive cases.

The ministry said 35 percent of returning Lao workers have been infected with the Delta variant in the recent time. After their recovery from the disease, these people need to be quarantined for another 14 days and supervised medically for seven days.

Meanwhile, returning workers without COVID-19 must also be isolated for 14 days at centers designated by the authorities. After having negative results twice, it is necessary for them to continue medical observation at home if they are qualified for self monitoring. For those failing the qualification, seven days more in quarantine are required.

On July 26, Laos posted 223 new infection of COVID-19. All of them were imported cases and were quarantined upon arrival. The country has to date posted 4,985 cases and five deaths./.

VNA