What should be done to stop the spread of Omicron?

The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has warned everyone to be vigilant following identification of the first locally-transmitted case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in Borikhamxay province. To date, 27 cases of Omicron have been detected in Laos. Vientiane Times asked for people’s thoughts on what might be done to prevent the spread of this new variant.
 

Mr Bounna Phommakod, a resident of Naxaithong district, Vientiane:  I have heard about this and it’s bad news for us and our country, especially doctors. The number of Covid infections is continuing to decline and everything is slowly returning to normal. But now this new variant has arrived, which should be a reminder that we must continue to follow the Covid prevention rules laid down by the government. We should try to change our behaviour and get used to a “new normal” to ensure that there’s not another huge outbreak. Everyone needs to be on their guard so that they’re protected but not unnecessarily alarmed.
 
Ms Thaen Thongchan, a resident of Luang Prabang province:  Everyone should cooperate with the authorities and continue to practice virus prevention measures. I’m concerned about the first locally-transmitted case of Omicron in Borikhamxay province. I’d like to know how this woman picked up the virus, as it seems she hadn’t travelled anywhere. As we know, it’s easy for people to enter Laos illegally from neighbouring countries. I strongly urge the authorities to enforce control measures more strictly. Those who come here from other countries should comply with the rules to prevent new variants spreading.
 
Ms Kham Sisomphou, a resident of Borikhamxay province: It’s very bad news because the number of cases has been declining and my children only went back to school last month. It will be very distressing if Omicron spreads widely. Now, most people don’t pay attention to the Covid rules and go out to meet up with their friends and live life as normal. I’m concerned that Omicron will spread rapidly because people have stopped caring about safety measures. But it seems we need to do a lot more to protect ourselves and the country. Everyone needs to have a greater sense of public responsibility and put the good of others ahead of their personal interests.

Mr Viengxay, a government official in Vientiane: I have made a serious attempt to follow the rules on preventing the spread of Covid. But I’m concerned about the number of people entering Laos illegally. I know that many people have returned to Laos by crossing borders illegally. Some people have quarantined at home but others have not bothered to do this. I urge the authorities to look into this matter and exercise controls. Households should inform village authorities if a family member enters Laos illegally, so that we all do whatever’s necessary to prevent the virus from spreading.
 
Ms Mounoy, a resident of Savannakhet province: It’s not good news for Laos. I hope no one else tests positive. I think we should do more to protect ourselves and adapt to a new normal way of life. I try to wash my hands with soap, wear a face mask, follow the rules on social distancing when I go out, and avoid crowded places to protect both myself and other people.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update February 28, 2022)