VIENTIANE, April 21 (Xinhua) - Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh on Wednesday has ordered a 14-day lockdown for the capital of Vientiane in the wake of a surge of COVID-19 cases, while other provinces are urged to consider intensifying prevention measures.

The Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced 26 new cases of COVID-19 in Vientiane, following an outbreak believed to have begun during the Lao New Year holiday period.

According to a notice published by the PM on Wednesday, which will be effective from Thursday to May 5, Lao authorities at every level must continue educating the public about the dangers posed by COVID-19, as well as ways to protect themselves and their families.

People working at government offices in Vientiane are to reduce the number of workers to ensure social distancing, except for essential personnel such as soldiers and police officers. The same applies to private sector businesses.

Travel from Vientiane to other provinces and from other provinces into the capital is prohibited, except for permanent residents of the capital who are returning home from the provinces, commercial trucks and goods, and other authorized individuals.

Residents of Vientiane are prohibited from leaving their houses except for essential tasks.

Gatherings may not exceed 20 people, while ceremonies such as funerals must be held with extreme care and in line with COVID-19 prevention measures.

All international and traditional border checkpoints and crossings will remain strictly closed for the next 14 days.

Hotels and resorts may operate but must provide only accommodation and food services, according to the notice.

Other provinces are advised to increase their COVID-19 prevention measures as necessary and in accordance with the rate of spread in their provinces.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Laos is 88, with 49 recoveries. Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases on March 24 last year.