Laos records first cases of coronavirus
Laos confirmed two cases of the coronavirus, becoming the last nation in Southeast Asia to record its first positive cases.
It comes a day after Myanmar reported its first covid-19 infections.
All 10 nations in the ASEAN bloc have now reported cases of the virus.
"We discovered two cases within Vientiane city marking the first instance of infections in our country," said deputy health minister Dr. Phouthone Muang Pak.
In both cases, they were likely infected due to interactions as part of their jobs in the travel industry.
"One is a female Lao national, aged 36, who works as a tour guide for foreign tourists from European countries, while the other is a 28-year-old male Lao national working in hotel management at the Lao Crown Plaza Hotel in Vientiane."
He travelled occasionally through high-risk cities to attend seminars, such as Bangkok," the minister said.
Both are receiving treatment in hospital in the capital.
Last week, land-locked Laos enacted strict measures to help keep the virus out of the country.
It closed checkpoints on the Laos-Thailand border, halted e-visas and tourist visas, and recommended that citizens do not take any non-essential travel abroad.
It also forbid large gatherings and closed all entertainment venues.
Apart from the two confirmed cases, 129 people tested negative for the virus.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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