The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Friday announced 1,004 new cases of Covid, along with five more deaths from the virus.

.

The new cases were identified after 9,011 tests were conducted across the country over the previous 24 hours. Seven of the new cases were detected among people entering Laos.

.
The total number of Covid cases recorded to date now stands at 77,500.
One of those who died was a 57-year-old Vietnamese national living in Kaysone Phomvihane city, Savannakhet province. He suffered from diabetes, hypertension and tuberculosis, had not been vaccinated against Covid, and died in a local hospital.

.
An 88-year-old man from Dontew village in Xaythany district, Vientiane, also died in hospital. He had previously been diagnosed with hypertension and had not been vaccinated against Covid-19.

.
A 48-year-old man from Mixay village in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane, Capital, died in hospital on Thursday. He had previously been diagnosed with kidney disease, lung disease and cirrhosis of the liver, and had not been vaccinated against Covid.

.
A 69-year-old woman from Saravan district, Saravan province, died on Wednesday. She had been diagnosed with anaemia and hypertension and had not been vaccinated against Covid.

.

A resident of Donkoy village in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, aged 43, died on Thursday at Setthathirath Hospital. She had been fully vaccinated against Covid but suffered from an immunodeficiency condition.

.
Vientiane again reported the highest number of new cases with 223, which were recorded in 108 villages of the capital’s nine districts.

.
Vientiane province recorded 107 new cases, Luang Prabang province 93, Borikhamxay 71, Attapeu 64, Savannakhet province 57, Champassak 52, Xaysomboun 45, Bokeo 43, Huaphan 40, Luang Namtha 40, Oudomxay 40, Xayaboury 36, Xieng Khuang 34, Phongsaly 31, Khammuan 13, Saravan 5 and Xekong 3.

.
There are currently 12,104 active cases of Covid-19 in Laos and 191 people are known to have died from the virus.

.
Meanwhile, 674 people were discharged from hospitals around the country on Thursday after recovering from the illness.

.
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has warned everyone to take extra precautions against Covid-19.

,
Laos is on high alert for the new Omicron variant while at the same time the number of new Covid cases reported each day continues to rise, with the Delta variant of the virus being the dominant strain.

The words of the chant call for misfortune to be dispelled and for good luck, success and happiness to be bestowed on the operation of the station, trains and operators, as well as all those attending the ceremony.

.

The ritual was one of many special activities organised as part of the grand opening of the Laos-China railway.

.
The presence of monks and the chosen time of the ceremony were regarded as auspicious for the start of railway operations.

.
The ceremony is thought to ensure smooth running of the railway for both operators and customers, along with wealth and success in all associated endeavours.

.

Attending the event were Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, senior officials, members of various bodies associated with the railway, and Buddhists.

.
Before the start of the chanting, the Prime Minister lit two large candles in homage to the Buddhist Triple Gem and struck a huge gong nine times to mark the beginning of the ceremony. This was followed by prayers and pledges to follow the five Buddhist precepts.

.
Vice President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation, the Most Venerable Maha Veth Masenay, preached a sermon and then congratulated the committee responsible for organising the ritual, saying it was the correct move to ensure the auspicious operation of the railway.

.

He also represented the nationwide monk body in congratulating the government on its successful role in the construction of the railway.
“The railway was the biggest gift the government has given to the Lao people, which was particularly noteworthy on National Day”, he said. He expressed confidence that the railway would deliver many benefits both to the nation and its citizens.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Prime Minister led officials in giving food and offerings to the monks. Participants received blessings from monks while two sprinkled holy water on the heads of officials to bring them protection.

.
Religious rituals of this nature are a part of the Lao way of life and have been practised since ancient times, being passed down from generation to generation.

.
People nationwide regularly organise such rituals and take part in auspicious ceremonies as part of celebrations and festivals, and consider them to be fine traditions that preserve cultural identity.

.

By Phetphpxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update December 3, 2021)

It's only fair to share...