(KPL) Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has announced the Lao PDR is free of Covid-19 following the discharge of all 19 covid-19 patients from hospital and 59 consecutive days of no new infections.

 “As of today, June 10, 2020, the number of people infected with COVID-19 in our country has become zero,” Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told a press conference in Vientiane on Jun 10, one day after the last patient was released from hospital.

He praised the actions of all people and cooperation from all sectors in their contributions to this achievement, citing early preventive measures such as social distancing, border closures, and lockdown as vital factors in the country’s victory over the virus.

He said that the country’s leadership, and the National Covid-19 Taskforce had provided unwavering guidance in the fight against the coronavirus.

 “This COVID-19, used to be called by us as a “lethal enemy, a silent killer”, still continue to spread extensively in almost every country and territory in the world. There are more than 7.30 million people infected, over 412,700 people dying of the virus either in big or small, developed or developing countries,” said PM Thongloun.

Laos went into full lockdown on 30 March under Prime Ministerial Order No. 06/PM, with measures prohibiting all residents to leave their homes except for necessary reasons such as grocery shopping, hospital visits, and any other tasks authorised by relevant authorities.

Prime Minister Thongloun cautioned that members of society must remain vigilant and continue to follow the measures the government has determined and will determine, and adjust to the so called New Normal to prevent the second wave of COVID-19.

KPL