Laos locks down capital over virus outbreak tied to Thailand

BANGKOK (AP) — Laos has locked down its capital and closed its borders to most traffic after identifying a COVID-19 cluster connected to neighboring Thailand. Residents of Vientiane are barred from leaving the city and outsiders must get permission to enter. Borders were closed except to trucks carrying goods and in cases allowed by the nation’s COVID-19 taskforce. Vientiane residents can’t leave their homes except for hospital visits and other authorized tasks. Laos confirmed