Laos is on high alert for the new Omicron variant, first detected in South Africa on November 24. (Photo: VNA) According to a statement by the Taskforce on November 28,the new variant, also known as B1.1.529, could be much more transmissible thanprevious variants of the coronavirus.
The Laos Taskforce has urged residents to take extraprecautions against COVID-19, saying that the variant could appear in thepopulation at any time. It has also urged everyone to be vaccinated as soon aspossible.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce says it will begin testing to seewhich variants are present among COVID-19 patients in Laos.
The government and relevant authorities will hold a meetingto discuss the Omicron variant and decide if new measures should be implementedin response to the threat.
The Health Ministry announced on November 29 that thecountry had recorded 929 new cases in all 18 provinces and cities and sevendeaths over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of infections to 72,447, including 166 deaths.
On November 26, Laos approved a booster shot formedical staff working on the frontline to control the virus outbreak in casethey have got the two full shots for at least five months./.
VNA
