Vientiane (VNA) – Laos is stepping upthe COVID-19 vaccination programme while the Philippine Government is alsoencouraging its people to get inoculated against the coronavirus disease.

The Lao Ministry of Health is calling on peoplein the country to get the second shot of COVID-19 vaccine on time to ensureeffectiveness while those who have not received the first can register withlocal health agencies.

So far, nearly 700,000 Lao people have receivedthe first vaccine shot and over 300,000 others the full two.

According to new anti-pandemic rules, residentsin Vientiane capital having received two doses of COVID-19vaccine will be allowed to travel to other localities without needingpermission or quarantine. 

The Lao Health Ministry said on June 11 thatthis country recorded four new infection cases in the past 24 hours, includingtwo domestic infections and two imported ones.

The infection tally in Laos now stands at 1,979,with 1,827 recoveries and three fatalities.

On June 11, spokesperson of the PhilippinePresident Harry Roque said the country will exempt elderly people who have beenfully vaccinated from stay-at-home orders to encourage more to get inoculatedand help authorities meet COVID-19 immunisation targets.

He noted that from June 16, seniors living inareas under looser quarantine restrictions will be allowed to go out but willstill need to wear masks, face shields and practice social distancing.

The elderly, who account for four-fifths ofCOVID-19 deaths in the country, were among priority groups in the government'svaccination drive that began on March 1.

However, as of June 6, only 1.54 million, or 16percent, of an elderly population of more than 9 million had got their firstshot, while more than 343,000 had received their second doses.

On June 11, the archipelago nation also allowednon-contact sports venues like gyms, fitness studios, historical sites, andmuseums to reopen but with a limited number of guests.

The Philippines has recorded nearly 1.3 millioninfections, including more than 22,300 deaths.

The Philippines started vaccinating around 35million people working outside their homes this week to curb virus transmissionand help open the economy, but the inoculation drive was hit by a delay invaccine deliveries./.